#jamieandclairecrossover

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - (Ch 233) - Epilogue

SYNOPSIS: James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp return to their downtime destination far away from Section One, but this time as a newly married couple.

This chapter is a little suggestive.

 Chapter 232 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

I want to THANK all the lovely readers who have been engaged with this story one way or another for just over four years.  Thank you all so much for your support, for your feedback, for your likes and for reblogging each week. I am so very grateful that you found my story and have kept reading each week. That just blows my mind! THANK YOU all so much. 👋

CHAPTER 233(S) – EPILOGUE

A couple of months later …

There was only one place that James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp wanted to spend their honeymoon, and that was in the special home where they had shared such wonderful memories on their downtime. They had left Section One in the capable hands of Letitia Chisholm, and his godfather Murtagh Fitzgibbons, had been given strict instructions that they were not to be contacted under any … and he meant any circumstances.  He’d chuckled at Jamie’s directive to keep their honeymoon destination a secret, and with a knowing gleam in his eyes Murtagh had said that even if Section burnt to the ground, he would never say where they had gone.  Operations and his second-in-command, would be blissfully ignorant of the comings and goings at Section One until they returned from their honeymoon.  His godfather valued the sanctity of his life, so Jamie and his Sugar would never know anything that was happening in their absence.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The honeymooners had been here for several days now and hadn’t really left their conjugal bed except for much needed sustenance. On waking this morning, the first rays of yet another glorious day greeted them as the dappled light drifted across the foot of their bed, and over the bodies of the intimate couple lying there. The two lovers lay on their sides facing each other with their legs entangled as they had done each morning. Jamie’s eyes drifted down to their bodies in perfect accord, while Claire melted into her husband’s embrace as he lazily traced the bottom of her chin with his fingertip.

“I always wake when you do, Sassenach; I sleep ill without ye by my side,” he uttered softly brushing his lips against hers. “I wake up every day and find that I love you more than I did the day before."

“If I loved you any more than I do now, James Fraser, my heart would burst right out of my chest,” Claire replied stroking her thumb along his cheek.

Their love for one another had been put to the test on numerous occasions by Madeline and Operations, and they’d endured so much, but now the past was behind them. Staring intimately into each other’s eyes, the two lovers never wanted to break eye contact.  Their eyes communicated that everything that had passed between them was indelibly etched into their hearts forever. 

Leaning into her love, Claire kissed her man affectionately rubbing her nose against his in playful teasing. “Good morning husband.”

Taking her hand in his, Jamie laced their fingers together mimicking the joining of their souls, then raising their clasped hand up between them, he seductively kissed their knuckles.

“Good morning … Mrs. Fraser.   Sleep well?” he queried with a satisfied grin and a provocative raise of his eyebrow.

“Like a baby, Mr. Fraser … and you?”

“Likewise.

Gently pulling his wife closer to him, Jamie placed his arm around her shoulder and Claire burrowed her face against his neck as they lay on the pillow kissing sensuously in salutations. He couldn’t resist the temptation of touching her body and he brushed his hands along her velvety soft skin leisurely tracing his wife’s glorious curves. In reply Claire’s hand rose and tenderly cupped Jamie’s cheek lightly grazing her finger along her husband’s stubbled jaw, before sliding her fingers into his dishevelled hair where they tightened in his curls.  Never severing their gaze, Jamie placed his open hand against Claire’s cheek lovingly mapping her face with his fingers.  Reciprocating the caress he loved so much, she too ran her finger over his jaw once more as their eyes stared into their souls.   Then leaning in towards each other, they kissed looking at one another as if they couldn’t believe that they were really here on their honeymoon and finally husband and wife.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

James Fraser couldn’t get enough of his love’s kisses and when his lips gently found hers again, Claire surrendered sighing against his mouth.  The taste of her was an aphrodisiac to his senses, for her lips enticed him, and every time he touched her, she made him come alive in want and need.

“Yer mouth is so inviting mo ghràidh,” he uttered gutturally overcome with emotion. “I canna get enough of yer kisses.”

Jamie could feel her smile against his mouth as Claire surrendered to yet another potent caress from her husband. Roaming his fingers gently over her cheeks, across the bridge of her nose and along her tingling lips he focused on seeing his wife's response to his touch. His hands traced back near her temples and lightly caressed the arch of her brow, before trailing them through her hair in dishevelled disarray on the pillow. Jamie’s breathing grew more ragged as his eyes perused her features in loving devotion, while his fingers continued stroking over her tempting flesh.

“Oh, God. Claire. Yer skin is flawless… you are so beautiful. I do love you so … More now than ever … if that is possible.”

Rolling on top of his wife, he deftly brushed his lips across the place where her swan-like neck and shoulder met. Gently biting the delicate skin of her throat, Jamie soothingly licked the place where his teeth had left his mark of passion.  Claire couldn’t help but moan at the intimate contact of her husband’s gestures.

“Yer face is my heart, Sassenach, and the love of you is my soul.  I couldna look at ye and keep my hands from you, nor be near ye and not want you. I want you now.”

Sighing, his eyes continued roving over her gorgeous face, all the while scorching Claire’s soul with his intense gaze.  Jamie let out an audible, evocative, trembling groan that resonated in the back of his throat as he kissed his wife in fierce abandon. His caresses made her head spin with the ecstasy of his touch. Releasing her lips momentarily so his love could draw breath, Jamie lowered his head again wreaking havoc on Claire’s sensitized lips, awakening her fierce need for him as well.  Their lips fused together as they both whimpered their need of one another. “Tha gaol agam ort, mo nighean donn,” he uttered against her lips, pulling back from them and nibbling them softly. “Oh, Jamie,” she sighed as his hands delved lower across her body. Claire felt his tender touch as her spouse’s fingers nonchalantly glided over and over her soft skin in devotion.” I love you so much.”

Who would have thought that Jamie’s exquisite hands could kill with a mere touch … yet … that same touch of his hands could send her reeling into unconsciousness?

Everything her husband did, everywhere he touched came alive under his sensational caresses, and Claire moaned in her acceptance of his gift. When his hands touched her, she felt the thrill to the very core of her being. The glide of his roving fingers on her skin drove her insane with intense longing. Claire was breathless and she ached with a yearning so severe that she just wanted to die in his arms. There were no words to speak of their devotion. None were necessary. They communicated their desire for each other with one look, a look that spoke volumes in silence. Jamie saw the awe in his beloved’s eyes; it was so overwhelming that he felt his heart soar. Only she could cause such a reaction. She was his woman; his wife.  He was her man; her husband.

“Forever and always my darling,” he whispered against her ear.

Overcome with such deep love for her husband, Claire ran her soft hands over Jamie’s torso electrifying his nervous system into overload. She leisurely trailed them down his muscular back gently caressing him until reaching his tight buttocks which flexed uncontrollably at her touch. Reversing her sojourn back up his body with soft strokes, she wallowed in the perfection of the man in her arms. Seeing the depth of Claire’s love for him in her luminous eyes overwhelmed him. James Fraser could not believe that being married to this wonderful woman could make him feel so complete. His hands stroked his wife’s brunette tresses away from her face to reveal the radiant gaze burning holes in his own.  Brushing his fingertips against her cheekbones, Jamie felt Claire’s soft intake of breath, when on a sigh, he murmured her special name.

“Sass-en-ach.”

"My darling husband," she whispered in reply. The words softly left her lips in admiration of the man who was her world. Feeling his body come alive more fully, Claire wriggled closer. His breathing became erratic as he captured her in his embrace. Tilting his head close to hers, Jamie never broke the mesmerizing, piercing looks they exchanged. Stroking her husband’s face with the palms of her hands, Claire was unable to say a word. She traced her fingertips along his mouth, caressing the bottom lip while biting her own tentatively. A wayward finger found its way inside his mouth and she could feel the scrape of Jamie’s teeth on the soft pad. It was so erotic that her body shivered with delight.

“Jamie … my love,” Claire murmured adoringly with breathless whispers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She continued rubbing her hands over the contours of his back with a soothing touch, traversing his skin and absorbing his pores into her own. They talked without words, whispering their inner thoughts for the other while gazing into one another’s eyes, each mirroring the feelings of their hearts.

James Fraser couldn’t believe that through everything they had endured while in Section under Madeline and Operations’ rule, that they had finally come to be in this place of contentment and overwhelming joy. All they had endured; all they had suffered to be together had culminated in this sacred sacrament of marriage.  Now they were husband and wife and the bond they shared was on another level entirely.  They were partners in everything that truly mattered in life, at work and even in death when that day eventually came.  God, he loved this woman so much.  He loved his brown-haired lass; he had loved her from the moment he had laid eyes on her but had thought himself unworthy of love and happiness. However, it was their destiny that they met and were together side by side in Section and on life’s journey. Each day that he saw her face he was reminded of the day that changed his life … the day that Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp was recruited to Section One.

From this day forward, he would also never forget the day Claire became his wife.  When he saw her for the first time as her Uncle Lamb walked her towards him on their wedding day, it was as if the sun had come out, for he was blinded by the look that was in her eyes. He was mesmerized by his Claire.  She was a lady of grace, a woman of strength, and an astonishingly beautiful, radiant bride. Their eyes had locked on each other as she came closer and closer towards him. It was as if they were the only ones there. Reciting their wedding vows was the culmination of their commitment to each other, then when he had kissed his bride, his heart had nearly stopped because of the happiness he felt.

His brave and wonderful wife completed him.  She made him a better man … a better leader … a better human being. Before he met his Sassenach, he was merely existing, but now he couldn’t be any happier than what he was at this moment in time on their honeymoon. The joys, the laughter, the togetherness of married life certainly agreed with him.  He was so very happy. His Claire had brought immeasurable joy into his life and now they were life partners for ever. He would love her until time itself was done, and so long as she was by his side, he was well pleased with the world, and he wanted to grow old with her until they each drew their last breath.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Likewise, Claire looked at her husband in disbelief that the day they married was the day that their deepest connection began.  They were joined not just in body but in soul. Their soul connection had always been strong, but somehow it felt so different this time now that they were one. Perhaps it was the openness of them being together in Section One and to be able to express their love and affection for one another without repercussions.  This togetherness had been the catalyst for these deeper feelings of love that had grown even stronger every day.  God, she loved this man so much that just the thought of him not being beside her filled her heart with sorrow. They were true soulmates destined to be together until they could breathe no more.

From the very first moment she had met him in Section, she knew that her life would never be the same. Nevertheless, it was providence and a little help from their uncles that they should meet. Jamie was a conundrum to her, but over time her feelings for this enigmatic man, who was a challenge to understand, had become clearer.  She saw in him a true man of worth, one who was worthy of love … of her, love. They were equals, two people who were joined explicitly by the connection they had forged together with their partnership. Now they were partners for life.  She was the other half of him.  Jamie was her true soulmate.   She found comfort in his love and friendship and their partnership in Section was one built on trust and respect for one another. She couldn’t control the feelings that ricocheted through her body knowing that he was hers.  He was her husband, her heart, her soul. She bloody well couldn’t do without him, and that was about it. Jamie was the only one she wanted to be with, to share her life with. Laugh with.  Love with.  Grow old with. 

The day they married was the most wonderful day of her life. To know that she was really his wife, that there were no secrets anymore, no hiding their relationship and definitely no recrimination from those who knew nothing of what love was between a man and a woman … Madeline and Operations, was all that mattered. When she walked down towards her groom, her heart leapt in her chest.  Her breath seemed to leave her lungs for Jamie looked so positively resplendent and handsome in his kilt, that she suddenly had wicked thoughts of wanting to fling him to the ground and commit ravishment on his glorious body.  Their eyes held and it was as if she was floating on air as she moved closer to him. His eyes hypnotised her until she was captivated and was drowning in the depths of the desire hidden there. His piercing look burned her soul.

James Fraser was a man in love who was letting her know his true feelings for her.  It was radiating from his intense blue eyes which remained fixed on her with every step she took towards him.  As if in a dreamlike state she came closer and closer to where Jamie was waiting with such a devoted look in his eyes.  When they met in front of the priest, Jamie had taken her hand in his.  She had felt his touch ignite her body as if fireworks had exploded within her skin, and not unlike an electrical current flowing through her fingertips. It paralysed her that she couldn’t control the feelings that ricocheted through her body knowing that he was hers alone. In a dream like state, they had spoken their vows and when they had been pronounced husband and wife and Jamie had kissed her, she lost all consciousness in his embrace. They had heard the applause of their friends but it was not as loud as their two hearts beating in unison. God, she loved this man with every last breath in her body.  James Fraser was the love of her life. The one she adored.  Her one true love … He was her world.  He was everything to her, and each day she loved him more. Today she loved him more than yesterday and less than tomorrow, and she wanted to grow old with Jamie until they each drew their last breath.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Marriage was a huge leap of faith, but it was their faith in each other, while spending every day with the person they loved, was what made the journey worthwhile.  It was the continuation of their life-long commitment oflove, trust and respect for one another.  They already had a partnership in Section of good communication and openness.  They listened to each other and shared ideas with honesty, and had the ability to compromise, as well as give constructive criticism if needs be. At home they spent time together but at the same time gave each other space in their togetherness when it was needed. They loved each other, truly loved each other.

As they lay together in their bed, with each sigh, gentle touch and look, Jamie and Claire experienced a deep feeling of intimacy and connection as they felt themselves slipping into a realm of deeper sexual union. Holding her husband close to her chest like a baby to the breast, Claire felt every inch of his skin. Resting his head on her comforting breast Jamie was lost in the essence of the woman in his arms … the love of his life.  His wife … Claire Fraser.

"I've only known one love in my life, and that was with you, mo luaidh," Jamie declared as his eyes drifted shut.

Sighing, Claire closed her eyes as well as they both succumbed to an exhausted but sated sleep once more. Hence it was late morning when James Fraser eventually arose from their marital bed, as the pangs of hunger had made his stomach growl.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Claire Fraser felt Jamie rise from the bed. Leaning one hand on her cheek and with a satisfied grin on her face, she smugly watched her husband’s naked torso in appraisal as he began to walk away.  Claire couldn’t help it. She never tired of looking at him.  Her eyes slowly traversed all the plains of his wickedly sensuous body of the man who was all hers.   Biting her lip, she couldn’t help but admire his naked torso, the curvature of his round backside and the muscles of his back, his sinuous arms and the strength of those strong, hard thighs that she could wrap her legs around in a vice. 

“Come back to bed Jamie …”  Claire sighed languidly rubbing the empty mattress beside her, “… it’s our honeymoon after all.”

“I’ll be there in a moment, mo chridhe … I’m just getting us something to eat.  I have to keep up my stamina because my wife is insatiable,” he answered roguishly with a mischievous eyebrow raise.

“It must be mutual then … My husband cannot get enough of me too it seems.”

“Aye ... ‘tis true, Mrs. Fraser …” he replied cheekily looking over to the unkempt bed where they had spent most of their time in over the past couple of days. “Ye have worn me out my love.”

“Surely you jest, Mr. Fraser,” Claire replied with an equally mischievous glance. “You are in perfect physical condition. I cannot believe that it is you who have overexerted yourself … when it is I …”

Jamie smirked at her unfinished words, while challenging her to finish what she was saying. “I what? My wife?”

“I … I have perfect stamina for these one-on-one workouts you put me through. You did train me after all. Come back to bed and let me show you just how much endurance I still have,” she teased impishly.

Jamie gave her a lascivious look as if to say … “I will test out that theory shortly when I return Sorcha.”

Turning once more, he looked at her with a promise that he’d be back as soon as possible and slowly walked into the kitchen to retrieve some nibbles they could eat.  Watching him with a satisfied grin on her face, Claire sighed a little breathlessly and lay back against the pillows.  Her husband was perfection … and every glorious inch of his magnificent body belonged to her. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As she lay there, Claire lovingly toyed with the exquisite filigree ring Jamie had finally placed on her finger at their wedding.  She had worn this beautiful ring with the engraved inscription … Da mi basia mille … around her neck close to her heart but out of sight.  Jamie had given her this ring with the promise of a thousand kisses, and a thousand more times over of the kisses they would share.  Her wonderful, romantic man had given her a solemn promise that night when he had given her this ring, and now she could wear it so that everyone knew that she was his, and he was hers.

She remembered being totally overwhelmed at the symbolic and meaningful bespoke ring, and her heart had filled with the joys of promises he made that night. Jamie had laid out what was in his heart for her to see.  This ring symbolized the serenity and purity of their relationship. It was his vow of fidelity and commitment, but it also revealed his deep abiding love for her.  Jamie was giving her his word of honour that night that it was his promise for marriage and of his eternal devotion.

Claire smiled as she looked at her ring once more.  His promises had come to fruition and they were well and truly on their way to those thousand kisses ten times over.  When she looked at it, she couldn’t help but remember back to their wedding day when the two of them became one. 

It had been the most wonderful day of her life.  It had been a simple, but romantic wedding ceremony in Letitia Chisholm’s glorious garden a few days ago. Jamie had looked so dashing in his Fraser’s kilt; she had dressed in an ethereal vintage white gown with a crown of flowers in her hair. She had been so very happy that the smile that bowed her lips seemed to be permanently plastered on her face. She was so head over heels in love with the man she was about to marry.

The day itself was magical. It was perfect in every way. Her Uncle Lamb had walked her down the aisle to meet the man of her dreams to where the priest was waiting.  She had kissed her uncle on the cheek and she couldn’t help but notice the tears of happiness that had welled up in his eyes. But it was Jamie’s penetrating gaze as he watched her approach him that had her floating on air. Their eyes had locked on each other’s and the love radiating from their gazes was so intense that she felt her heart leap from her chest. 

Their wedding vows had been spoken with such reverence and love that it was as if they were the only two people there with the priest, and all those around them had faded into oblivion. Then, when they kissed, her heart had burst with the knowledge that she was now truly his in name, body and soul … she was Mrs. Claire Fraser and Jamie was her husband.

Murtagh had seemed quite emotional too, as he and Bóinne watched them repeat their vows. No doubt he was thinking about his own wedding to his wife just a few weeks ago. Then the look on Fergus Claudel’s face when Marsali MacKimmie had caught her wedding bouquet had been priceless, but she knew that this young couple would most assuredly be the next to marry.

Although she and Jamie never wanted their wedding day to end, they couldn’t wait to be together, just the two of them alone and begin their honeymoon. And now here they were in their special place where memories were made, and it had been everything and more than she had ever expected.   

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Despite never giving their roles at Section One another thought since they had arrived here, nevertheless thinking of their friends just now, had Claire’s thoughts turning to how things had transformed for the better, not only in their lives, but at Section too.

When they had taken over the leadership, much had changed in Section since Jamie had become the new Operations and she his second in command. The atmosphere in the organization had shifted dramatically and the place seemed to be more harmonious than ever before.  Missions had gone well. Terrorists were captured and were still tortured by Henry and Elizabeth, but their methods were less barbaric, however they still achieved the same results with this change of direction.  Section One was running smoothly.  She and Jamie had not always been able to be physically present on missions, but his strategic profiling had seen their operatives carry out successful end games nonetheless. They had only called on Letitia Chisholm one time when they went undercover on the Stonner mission as a married couple, which they didn’t need much preparation for having been in the role often.  However, a mission and the real deal were so polar opposites that she couldn’t believe how much a ring on her finger had changed the dynamics so conclusively.  It felt different from playing a married couple to now actually being one.   

Although she knew that everything would be running as normal back at Section One, these thoughts jostled in her head and realizing that Jamie was taking his good time getting something to eat, Claire called out his name to gain his attention.

“Jamie!”

“What is it my love?” he replied returning from the kitchen with a plate of cheese, fruit and some whisky for the two of them.

“What do you think is happening back at Section while we are away?”

“Dinna fash, Sassenach.  Letitia will have everything in hand. Section will be ticking over as usual without us there.  They can manage for two weeks surely.”

“I guess so … it’s just that …”

He grinned at her. “You miss everyone don’t ye Claire?”

“I do, just a little … but I am so loving our time here more my love.  This is our special place for special memories and none more so than our idyllic honeymoon. I doubt if I will want to return to Section when it is over.”

“Our honeymoon will never be over, mo ghràidh.  We have a lifetime of days like these to come,” Jamie replied with an intense look that made her breath hitch.

Catching each other’s gazes across the room, Claire felt giddish as her heart leapt in her chest at his response.  She smiled happily as she watched her husband walk back over to the bed.  Placing the decanter, two glasses and plate on the bedside table, Jamie sat down on the mattress. Claire felt the bed dip slightly with his weight as he leaned over towards her, as she in turn rolled over closer to where he sat. Tenderly Jamie placed a small piece of cheese into her mouth with his fingertips. Munching on the morsel, their eyes held each other’s as Claire rubbed his arm up and down with the tips of her fingers lightly scraping the muscles as she did so.

His wife’s radiant nakedness under the covers sent Jamie’s heart into arrhythmia at the thought of their couplings a little while ago and those throughout the night as they had repeatedly made love.  His Claire was the most stunning woman he had ever seen and her beauty was not just visible to the naked eye, she was beautiful in every way possible. 

“I did warn ye, mo luaidh, about making memories here.”

“Yes, you did.”

She moved up in the bed until she was level with Jamie.  Their eyes held one another’s in a piercing stare that registered deep within their hearts.

“When I touch you …”  Jamie’s fingertip rubbed lightly under her chin as he spoke.

Claire leaned towards him. They rubbed noses in a little Eskimo kiss that she loved to receive and give.

“… I feel my heart pound in my chest mo chridhe … I feel that my heart could burst right out of my body.  I love ye so much Sassenach. You are mine, always, if ye will it or no, if ye want me or nay. Mine, and I wilna let ye go.”

“Nor I you, James Fraser,” she replied kissing him heralding the depth of feeling she had for this special man.”

“Are ye happy Sorcha?”

“Happier than I have ever been. I am truly happy just being here with you.”

Claire Elizabeth Fraser … my wife, Jamie thought, a smile suddenly appearing on his face and widening even more when she reciprocated his grin.

My husband … James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser, Claire thought as well.

“I dinna want to hear another word about Section One while we are here, mo leannan,” he teased bopping her on the nose playfully. “It is just the two of us now.”

“I promise … I won’t say another word, Jamie. Whatever happens in Section, stays in Section until we get back.”

“We are not to be contacted and are off the grid for the duration of our honeymoon. So, I’m going to hold ye to that promise, Claire Fraser.”

“You have my word, James Fraser.”

Leaning in closer and closer to his wife's smiling face, Jamie declared, “Then kiss me, Claire. And know that you are more to me than life, and I have no regret.”

“Gladly.”

With those words the honeymooners soon forgot all discussion of those back at Section One as they kissed passionately. They both thought nothing more of mission profiles, terrorists, their operatives or what decisions were being made by Letitia Chisholm, for they again succumbed to the blissful conjugal joys of being giddy newlyweds.

THE END

Gaelic and meaning …

Mo ghràidh – My love        

Mo luaidh – My darling

Mo leannan – My sweetheart        

Mo chridhe – My heart

Tha gaol agam ort – I love you

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 230

SYNOPSIS: The Head of Centre, Mr Lambert, observes the operatives working in Section from the Perch. He contemplates their reactions to the new leadership of Section One, and his thoughts also centre on this monumental day.

THANK YOU to all who are reading this story and for your feedback, likes and reblogs. I am very gratified by your support. 👋

Chapter 229 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

CHAPTER 230

The Head of Centre now stood in the Perch overlooking Section One before summoning James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp to make an appearance. As he stood there with hands resting on the rail and a blank stare in his eye, Quentin Lambert surveyed the operatives going about their business below. Every now and then someone would look up towards the Perch with a quizzical expression on their faces, then just as quickly look away. He knew what was going on in their minds … but he was unable to answer their questions at the moment. He needed Jamie to arrive so that he could hand over the Chain of Command to him and to induct his niece as his second in command before any announcement could be made.  When that happened, he knew that those inquisitive operatives below would erupt in surprise but also jubilation for the change of power. James Fraser was well respected as too was Claire, and without a shadow of a doubt Section One would be in such good hands under their leadership.

His thoughts alternated between this change of power and the other events that had taken place earlier in the Committee Room, as well as in the White Room with the former leaders of Section One.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It had been a harrowing day for everyone on so many levels.  With what started out the day before with the house arrest, followed by the revealing of the information in the dossiers, then concluding with the deaths of Operations and Madeline. He would never have envisaged a day such as today, but then again surprises were just that.  One never expected things to happen neatly in such an organization and expecting the unexpected was the norm.    

The decisions that had been made this day were ones he never wished to repeat, but extenuating circumstances called for drastic measures. As leader of all the Sections it was his responsibility to make the call on both Madeline and Operations the way that he had.  Had he not, the perpetuation of Section One was brought into disrepute and that was not acceptable.  Not only that but the actions of Section’s leaders were a breach of the trust they had been given.  Their failure to live up to the standards of this organization by sullying the very principles of why Section existed was the reason they had to be removed.  Their crimes only compounded the decision that was finally made.  They could not remain alive and continue to be in charge.   He had no recourse but to do what was done.

For far too long the manoeuvrings going on at Section under Dougal and Madeline’s leadership had been cause for concern at Oversight, hence Colum Mackenzie’s initiating the dossiers on each of them. Intel had also been given to him at Centre about the autocratic behaviour of the two leaders at One, while he’d also been kept abreast of the situation at Section for some time that things were not as they appeared to be especially regarding the Rising Dragons’ mission. Although he’d met with Madeline on occasion at Centre, there was always an underlying agenda with her that she had tried to disguise despite their meetings being cordial. The fact that Murtagh Fitzgibbons had been able to relay information to Colum about the underhand skulduggery that had been in place at Section for a while, had only reinforced that the dossiers were not some form of retaliation against his brother and his second in command. They were merely stating the truth of how they had run Section.  There was a chance that the intel could be viewed as Colum Mackenzie getting his own back at his brother, but the independent information had only confirmed what the files had disclosed.  For far too long Madeline and Operations had worked the system for their own gain and agenda. Colum had been diligent in his collecting of data and had crossed his T’s and dotted his I’s in an effort to give the most comprehensive but unbiased account of the happenings at Section One under their leadership, based solely on the overwhelming evidence presented.

The early morning meeting with Madeline and Operations had been somewhat difficult. However, he knew this would be so. No meeting with the leaders of Section One was ever easy and today was no different. They were both determined leaders who had fought all the way protesting their innocence under the guise of Section One protocol. However, no matter what Madeline and Dougal said to try and lessen the charges, the dossiers that Colum Mackenzie had compiled on both of them were a very compelling account of their misdemeanours over the years. It was known that the leaders of Section One had consistently been a thorn in Colum Mackenzie’s and Oversight’s side for far too long. It had only been a matter of him biding his time for their machinations to be revealed. The fact that their transgressions had been so numerous and broad in nature had eventually caused the chickens to come back home to roost. Things had gone full circle for them and it was this that had ultimately been the cause of their own downfall.

Madeline and Dougal had proclaimed their innocence on several occasions but the evidence and witnesses had been overwhelming. They had nowhere to hide and had attempted to whitewash the evidence presented despite knowing that they were in serious trouble long before Jamie and Claire had given their testimony. They had been vehemently incredulous of the decision that he’d made, but they were lucky that they hadn’t been cancelled earlier given the evidence of their wrongdoings. Madeline in her indomitable way had taken matters into her own hands with her suicide, while Operations’ death had been a foregone conclusion.  The two leaders no doubt had a death premonition when they had been placed under house arrest, and perhaps they’d thought their demise was just a matter of time, even long before their cross-examination in the Committee Room.  Then when the intel in the dossiers had been revealed, under the circumstances their fate had been sealed. Death was the only sentence they could have received for their treason. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Glancing around Section One again, Quentin Lambert realized that they must move on … move ahead for the good of everyone. He put the memory of Operations and Madeline’s reactions to the news of their death sentence as the absolute leaders of One to the back of his mind. What was done was done. There was no turning back … it was now a thing of the past. So, clearing his mind of this morning’s past events; the Head of Centre turned his thoughts to the future of Section One and that of its new leaders James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp. With the impending inauguration of these two exemplary operatives as the new leaders, necessary changes would occur.  Thus, it was imperative that he set in motion a new regime for Section One, something that was needed if One was to look forward and not backwards.

Therefore, a full-scale re-evaluation of Section One would need to be instigated by Section’s new leaders, especially given the disclosed circumstances of Madeline and Operations’ management. It was long overdue and once Jamie and Claire took leadership; they would need to set new parameters in motion.  Things could not remain as they were.  Everything would change with their administration.  Operations and Madeline would be replaced with the two people who were more suited to running Section … the two worthy operatives who would bring a new perceptive to all who worked there. These necessary changes to Section One needed to be made without any of the skulduggery that had occurred in the past. James Fraser would have the opportunity to demonstrate that Section One could run more efficiently and strategically when respect, trust, support and loyalty to the unit were the emphasis instead of the reign of fear and punishment operatives had endured under Madeline and Operations.

The Head of Oversight had provided many examples of breach of protocol and manipulation in the dossiers particularly of Sections’ best operative James Fraser, as well as his partner Claire Beauchamp.  The fact that it had been revealed that Claire was his niece added another layer of disgust on what Madeline and Operations had done in their treatment of her.  This intel had been most distressing given the fact that he and Colum had paired these two individuals together in the hope that they would be a partnership to be envied, but never realizing that their leaders would be threatened by their bond and expertise in successful missions.  Obviously, Madeline and Dougal’s egos had been significantly dented by their perceptions of this couple’s rise within Section in the eyes of its operatives.  Because of this perception, they thwarted their relationship and dismissed any promotion for them should they in fact come to appear the better choice for taking command of Section One.  The very fact that they thought Jamie and Claire were breathing down their necks caused them to have them take one step forward two steps back.  Operations and Madeline’s fragile hold on Section would have been tested had Jamie and Claire decided that they ever wanted to usurp them, but that theory was never proven.  It was just a warped figment of their misguided minds that this threat existed, hence the drastic steps they took to prevent it ever happening. Little did they know that Karma had a way of putting things right in the universe.  It all could have been different if Madeline and Operations had taken another course of direction.   

The only plausible reason for Madeline’s constant testing of their two top operatives was fear.  This seemed ironic, for theirs was a leadership of fear and dread. The fact that the leaders themselves feared their two best operatives’ romantic relationship as well as an imagined coup by Jamie with Claire by his side seemed a tit for tat exercise.  The course of action they always took with them was the same … divide and conquer … because in their minds, they truly believed that these two operatives were trying to commandeer their positions and take over Section One. It was obvious that this paranoia had clouded their vision over the years, but they had been their own worst enemies. Operations and Madeline had lost focus and had seen problems where there were none. If Jamie and Claire had been handled differently, this situation would never have occurred, and perhaps they may still be alive and merely reprimanded.  However, their deeds were too far reaching and heinous for that to have occurred.  They had abused their position time and time again and, in the end, it was all for naught for they paid the price of this thirst for power with their lives.

He realised that once his niece had been recruited to Section One, Madeline and Operations stepped up their manipulation of James Fraser.  Claire seemed to be the catalyst for the path they had taken in demoralizing her and belittling their best operative. The fact that his niece’s personality was at polar opposite to their way of thinking, had seen them come up with plan after plan to try and thwart the effect she had on Jamie, her fellow operatives, and the very atmosphere within Section.  Claire’s compassionate nature did not fit in with the ideals they held as to what happened in Section.  Claire upset the apple cart, not intentionally but to such a degree that they had to act. They could ill afford for her to cause trouble, especially by spoiling their plans. Her humility and compassionate nature threatened the very fabric of the leadership they held dear … control. She presented an existential threat to their existence and survival in Section. Claire unwittingly challenged those beliefs to such an extent that they could ill afford for her to continue to influence other operatives to her way of thinking.  The very fact that James Fraser was caught in her spell was the final straw that broke the camel’s back for them. It was the breaking point for Operations and his second in command. It was what made them act the way that they did. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Quentin Lambert’s thoughts were all over the place but there was definitely a common thread weaving its way through them as he came to terms with all that had happened in such a short time.  He was flabbergasted as to the lengths that Madeline and Operations had gone to, to try and conceal their deeds. 

Did they think they were Teflon coated and nothing could touch them?  Had they been so full of narcissistic belief that they thought themselves above recrimination? Or had they merely thought they would never be caught manipulating the system?

Then there was their treatment of his niece and her mentor and partner. Perhaps it was this that had all brought it home to him that no one, least of all Claire and James Fraser deserved the actions that Madeline and Operations put in place to keep them both under the thumb and compliant.   It was quite perplexing for the Head of Centre as he thought about the two people who were to be entrusted with the leadership of Section One.

Had they learnt nothing of these two operatives in all the time they were in Section?  Had they not known that their bond could not be broken despite the lengths they went to, to try and separate them? Why did they keep on pursuing these drastic motives, knowing that they would never win?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In the early stages of his niece’s recruitment, Claire had developed skills that Section One had utilized successfully on numerous occasions. Her looks and her ability to get the job done in her own inimitable way were seen as going against the grain of Section One’s ethics. But who was to say her way was wrong and Madeline and Dougal’s way was the only way? Perhaps it was this differing opinion that had caused a rift between the two women. Somewhere along the line the relationship between Section’s second in command and Claire had changed and changed for the worse. The motherly figure Madeline portrayed toward her in the beginning of her recruitment, had long ago vanished. It was as if Claire was her rival and as such was a threat to her position at Section One.

As Jamie’s material and under his definitive tutelage, Claire had developed into the operative she was now. They had formed an ideal partnership that resulted in exemplary execution of their missions together. They had formed an invincible bond over the years but it was the very thing that kept them alive and made their missions so successful. However, as Jamie and Claire’s bond had become stronger and their partnership had strengthened, the threat obviously became more intense to their leaders. Sensing that this time it threatened both their leadership and not just her, Madeline had proceeded down the track of some very malicious practices. However, what she had failed to realize was that as the heir apparent to lead Section One, James Fraser was happy to bide his time until Operations stood down or moved to Oversight which had been highly probable. Dougal knew this to be true but Madeline’s influence over him was just as manipulative as her scheming with Jamie and Claire. She had sown the seeds of doubt and because Dougal relied on her judgment and counsel, he was obviously swayed by his second in command’s mindset. Colum Mackenzie had pointed this fact out to him that Madeline had wielded too much power at Section One for his liking. Initially the Head of Oversight thought that coming down a peg or two would be humbling for Madeline and would perhaps set her back on the true ideals of Section One that Letitia had envisaged when she set up the Sections.  But Section’s Head Strategist had her own agenda.  She was strong-willed in her refusal to admit defeat or to give an inch, and was stoic until the very end. The situation they had found themselves in was a direct result of both Operations and Madeline’s failure to show compassionate leadership. They had treated their operatives as expendable robots who were expected to act as such. There was no compromise, no second chances and no tolerance of relationships that might prove to be too powerful and threatening to their totalitarian leadership.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As the Head of Centre, he had his finger on the pulse and from afar he’d been observing the partnership of James Fraser and his niece for some time. Along with the Head of Oversight they had always liked what they saw.  They had colluded to groom these two people for bigger and better things in the Organization.  He was well aware of the stellar job they had both done on the Sun Yee Lok Mission and on the few occasions Jamie had command of Section One, he had always profiled missions with few casualties and with favourable end results. He had initiative, was ingenious and successful … key elements to great leadership.

Then it was Claire’s subtle effect on Jamie that had certainly provided the balance he needed. For far too long he’d acted like a machine … the ultimate cold operative, one without a soul, for this was what Operations and Madeline wanted … for they were soulless and manipulating leaders. Innocents had always been seen as expendable collateral as far as they were concerned. This was diametrically opposed to Claire’s approach. Her compassion had been influential in changing Jamie’s way of thinking considerably over the years and on occasions during a profile; he had changed to Plan B when his partner had voiced her concern or empathy for innocents. James Fraser was the penultimate operative. Whether as a cold operative, valentine operative or undercover operative, Jamie always got the job done and done with success. It was his ability to “read” situations and think on his feet that made him the highly effective Level Five operative that others admired and respected. As the new Operations, he would have the love and support from those close to him and his admirers when he took the helm of Section One, with his formidable partner by his side. This admiration for them would filter down to those operatives working in Section and would make for a more harmonious workplace. It was a win–win for strategic brilliance and for common sense.  Things in Section would change, and change exponentially. He looked forward to seeing the path James Fraser and his niece would take when they did finally take control.  

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Turning his head away from those working below, the Head of Centre looked over to where Colum Mackenzie and Letitia Chisholm were sitting in quiet conversation. No doubt they too were contemplating the results of this morning’s proceedings. It was unprecedented what had happened to the leaders of Section One, but they knew that Quentin Lambert had no recourse except to make the decision that had been made.  Although Madeline had taken matters into her own hands before any judgement could be carried out on her involvement in the misdemeanours, Operations had deserved whatever sentence he had received given the heinous wrongdoings he had undertaken against their operatives, his treasonous actions and the manipulations he and Madeline had put James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp through.

“Penny for your thoughts Quentin,” Colum Mackenzie asked candidly as he watched as the Head of Centre made his way to where he and Letitia were sitting.

He’d mused over many thoughts in his mind but especially about Madeline and Operations, and what had gone before in Section under the old leaders.  However, he had optimism for new beginnings and a more compassionate Section One under his niece and James Fraser’s leadership. He was excited about their prospects of running Section and how the whole organization would grow and evolve in a more congenial atmosphere.  

“I was just thinking of all those operatives below the Perch at their stations, still carrying on regardless of their curiosity to know just what is going to happen to them in the future. Those men and women below are the backbone of Section One.  They are going about their duties and Section is still ticking over.  I was also wondering what their reactions will be once Jamie and Claire are installed as Section’s new leaders.”

“I should think that they will be very pleased to know that the two people they admire will be in charge.”

“I agree Quentin,” Letitia announced supportive of what Colum had said.  “Those operatives know what Jamie and Claire stand for.  They also know that they are just and fair-minded.  But more importantly … they trust and respect them.”

“Indeed, my thoughts as well.  My nephew is a competent and skilled operative first and foremost.  Jamie knows what is expected of operatives on a mission, and they in turn know that he expects nothing but the best of them as well.  They look up to Jamie as they follow his lead.  He is intuitive, perceptive and has an uncanny sense of outwitting his opponents. James Fraser is a leader who is not only admired, but who leads by example.  Section One will be in excellent hands Quentin.”  

“And what about my niece Colum? Do you think I have asked too much of her?”

“No, I don’t. Claire will make a capable, proficient but fair leader alongside Jamie.  No doubt her skillset will be slightly different to his. Whereas Jamie will bring strategic skills, along with his forte as a statistician, his expertise as a cold operative, as well as his intellect and ability to read people, Claire will bring her more measured foresight and intelligence, her compassion and humanity to the table.  They will be a formidable pair and will be able to run Section One as it should have been.”

“And maybe, just maybe, they will be able to strike a happy medium between their personal and professional responsibilities,” Letitia added smiling giving her woman’s perspective.

“No doubt a reasonable compromise will be what the doctor ordered to recharge their batteries. I believe that Jamie has some property in Australia,” replied Colum looking towards Mr Lambert.

“Is that so?”  The Head of Centre reacted a little taken back, but not completely surprised that James Fraser would have secured a private place away from Section where he could relax. But Australia? … That was as far away to any place he could think of that Jamie could get from Section … That is what surprised him the most.  

Taking stock once more from his shocked reaction Quentin added, “Then that would certainly be the perfect place to take abreak, wind down and chill out from the tasks involved in running Section One for both Jamie and Claire before returning to the responsibilities they would have as leaders.”

“So, what do you plan to do now Quentin?” Letitia Chisholm asked aware that certain protocols needed to be put in place.

“I will have to hand over the Chain of Command to Jamie and inaugurate my niece as his second in command.”

“Well then.  Is it not time for that to occur?” she answered matter of factually grinning at him.

There was no need to wait any longer. Jamie and Claire needed to be officially declared the new leaders of Section One. He smiled at Letitia in return admitting that he needed to set this in motion immediately.  

“Indeed. I shall.”

“Then you will need to alert him to the fact that he and Claire are both needed in the Perch as soon as possible.”

“I was just about to do so,” he replied giving the two witnesses a look of approval at the decision he was about to make.

With that statement, the Head of Centre pressed the communication button connected to James Fraser’s office alerting both Jamie and Claire that their presence was required.

“Jamie!  Could you and Claire make your way to the Perch ASAP.  There are some pressing matters that need to be addressed.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued next week

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 224

SYNOPSIS:  James Fraser reflects on the information his uncle just relayed about his godfather Murtagh Fitzgibbons.  On the other hand, Madeline reflects on her failure to know that this operative had been sleuthing under her very nose without detection.  Thus, she has to come to terms with the fact that her back is well and truly against the wall now, knowing that there will be no escape from her crimes.

N.B.  This chapter contains some text which may be triggering for some.

Chapter 223(V)  and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

THANKS for reading everyone. 👋

CHAPTER 224

There were none more surprised than James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp when Colum Mackenzie had dropped his little bombshell about Murtagh Fitzgibbons being his godfather.  Jamie had mixed emotions although his facial demeanour showed nothing of his inner thoughts. His Sassenach was as pleased as punch that her friend and confidant had been keeping a watchful eye over the man she loved since he’d been recruited to Section One, as well as keeping her under his wing also. Everything Murtagh had done had proved that he did indeed have their backs from the get go. In her mind this was the best news of the day. Knowing that he had approved of their relationship too meant the world to her, for she loved him, not only as her friend but as a father figure especially having lost her own mother and father.  It was such wonderful news, and Claire couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear.  

Jamie however, was still piecing together the words spoken by his uncle and the Head of Oversight that were still resonating in his head.

“Undeniably this is intel that Jamie will need to digest Colum. His godfather you say?  I could think of no better man than Murtagh Fitzgibbons to have kept your nephew under his watchful eye.”

Mr. Lambert was right on point when he’d said these words.  It was so very true.  He too couldn’t think of a stauncher ally than Murtagh Fitzgibbons. Jamie was also digesting the significance of Colum Mackenzie’s statements, and he was processing that his buddy, Murtagh Fitzgibbons was in fact his paternal godfather. This wizened old man had surreptitiously been keeping a watchful eye over him ever since he came into Section One.  This indeed had thrilled him no end.

Claire reached out and squeezed Jamie’s hand. She was ecstatic.  When he glanced over at her, she gave him the most wonderful, sweetest smile that had him grinning too. The look in her eyes was one of excitement, exhilaration and pleasure at hearing this knowledge.  The looks they exchanged meant that she knew exactly what her partner would be recalling.  It was undoubtedly all of the ways Murtagh Fitzgibbons was involved in their lives, and how he had kept a watchful eye over the both of them. They both couldn’t help but think over all the times that Murtagh had gone out on a limb for them, had been their confidant, their supporter and more importantly the one who had their backs against Madeline and Operations’ schemes and manipulations of them as a couple.  He was their champion and now they both realised why that was so.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Murtagh Fitzgibbons seemed to be in his own unique way the soul as well as the eyes and ears of Section One.  No one could deny the powerful and endearing presence of his character in their hell hole. He was the one other operatives, and especially his little buddy Fergus Claudel turned to in times of trouble or melancholy.  Section was not an easy work place with the constant eyes of Madeline and Operations forever overseeing their every move.  Murtagh had been around the block and he was fun and irreverent, but given that he had been passing on information to Colum Mackenzie, meant that he was also the biggest risk taker in Section One. No doubt his clandestine activities in and around Section had been what had kept him entertained.  The fact that he had also been keeping a watchful eye over him was the best news he had heard in a long while.  All those years before his Sassenach had come into Section, he had been lost in torment, and now that he thought back on it, he realised that it was Murtagh who had refused to let him sink further into the darkness of despair in this place.  The munitions expert had been like a father to him.  He had been a role model, taught him weaponry skills as well as teaching him martial arts, which were finely honed in the dojo with the Master.     

It was little wonder that his Sassenach also gravitated towards him. Murtagh loved his Claire as much as he did, and that for him was perfect given that she had lost her parents in the line of duty.  No doubt Murtagh knew them as they too were Section operatives working undercover. Not only had he been keeping him in his orbit, but Murtagh loved Claire as if she too was a daughter. It was easy to see why their appreciation of one another was mutual. To his Sassenach, he was her father figure as well, and one she also loved very much. Murtagh was the man whom she could talk to about anything and everything while it was he, who gave her sage advice. 

Murtagh Fitzgibbons may have perceived himself as a simple man, but he was anything but. He underplayed his quiet intelligence, especially evident in his shrewd assessment of Operations’ and Madeline’s sinister motives towards him and his partner Claire.  His plans to find things in Section that were off limits were sometimes foolhardy, and it was these hairbrained schemes that he dragged Fergus into as his wingman.  However, his most endearing quality was in his loyalty to those he loved, a case in point … his volunteering to rescue himself and Claire who were in trouble at the monastery.  These were the things that endeared Murtagh to his Sassenach, and in retrospect to him as well.  He had always admired the older operative and how he would go out on a limb to help.  He now knew the truth of his actions in doing the things he did, often without the approval of his superiors which was just the way Murtagh liked it.

His godfather had done this for him on many occasions particularly in his clandestine keeping an eye on him making sure that he was kept safe without revealing who he really was. Murtagh had streets smarts and weaponry skills, obviously perfected in Vietnam which he put to good use in Section.  Like any good undercover spy, he knew when to tell the truth, when to lie, and when to keep his mouth shut. One of his most engaging and defining traits was his straightforwardness. He called a spade a spade.

The older operative was savvy, his depth of wisdom and perception in recognizing that in order to protect him, he also needed to protect his woman. When he needed someone to help to reverse the Gelman process on his Sassenach, it was Murtagh who worked with him to smuggle the sensory chamber out of Section without detection.  It was Murtagh that had volunteered to go on their rescue and retrieval mission when he had not been in the field for some years.  He obviously knew that his presence was needed and he wanted firsthand knowledge of what had happened to them at the monastery.  Murtagh had seen the torture tapes of Claire and there was no way that he was not going to be at the forefront to rescue the both of them.  He loved them both.  They were family and he would do whatever was in his power and bag of tricks to help save them.

Then when he’d been shot, Murtagh had threatened to carry him if he didn’t do what he was told, but the most poignant of all was the concern on his godfather’s face when he had collapsed after putting Claire on the gurney back at Section.  No doubt the anxiety that had gone through his mind, as to if he would recover or not must have been harrowing for him.  He knew that Murtagh was a steadfast ally but he always went that extra mile to keep a protective eye on him. He was a confidant for Claire a keeper of their secrets, but no doubt the first to know that he had fallen in love with the most vivacious woman, Claire Beauchamp who had finally saved him from himself.  Much as he wanted to save Claire’s anxiety because of what happened to her at the monastery, he understood somehow that he was the only one who could do this and help his Sassenach recover from her trauma on their downtime.  

Murtagh Fitzgibbons was a keen observer and from his position in Munitions he kept a canny eye over all the comings and goings in Section.  He was a romantic, 60-year-old bandanna wearing hippie of bygone years.  No doubt he had dabbled in free love, smoked pot and been anti establishment in his day.  He had witnessed his growing attraction and love for his Claire probably before he even admitted it to himself. He kept that secret to himself yet he realised now that Murtagh couldn’t wipe the smile off his face whenever they were together. Then, just this morning when he had burst into their bedroom interrupting their intimacy, Murtagh had sheepishly enjoyed his gate crashing, evident by the laughter he and Claire could hear when the door was closed.   Murtagh was always his trusted one who knew where he and Claire were, when off the grid, and how to contact them when others couldn’t.  This had happened time and time again but only when they were really needed back in Section, such as their early recall back for the Rising Dragons’ mission from their downtime in Australia. He was a caring man who loved deeply his friend Fergus, and his paramour Bóinne Rivière who had given the old codger an extra spring in his step. 

Murtagh was an expert in his field of munitions and he relied on the calibre of his equipment and gizmos to successfully function well in order to carry out the extraction of their targets without loss of life to his team members. Thus, his godfather had kept him safe all these years.  In retrospect, Murtagh Fitzgibbons the old Silver Fox, was the substitute father who kept a protective eye over him clandestinely done out of love and loyalty to him and to his father Brian.  No matter how emotionally involved with his Sassenach he became as their friendship developed, he judged her by her actions and words, same as he did anyone else. 

There had always been a measure of trust and respect between them that had never changed.  That was evident when Murtagh had again volunteered to go to Macau undercover to capture Karen Yee.  They had worked together in the casino to capture her and he had ribbed them when he and Claire had arrived in the Mahogany Room after their little tryst in the elevator. That moment had really tickled his fancy.  Teasing them had been worth it though and it was all in good jest.  Again Murtagh had wanted to be where the action was but more importantly he wanted to make sure that Karen Yee or Alvin Tang would not be able to hurt the two people he loved the most and help them secure their captives.   

James Fraser remembered it all.  Now that he knew that Murtagh Fitzgibbons was his godfather, he vowed that this rambunctious man would be more personally involved in his and Claire’s life than from a distance in Section. Murtagh was family after all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Are you listening to all of this Madeline?” Mr. Lambert asked looking over at Section’s Head Strategist whose demeanour appeared to be anywhere but present in the room.

However, Madeline was not. She was still thinking about what Colum Mackenzie had said about who was the mole passing intel onto him for his dossiers on her and Operations.She was still reeling in shock about Murtagh Fitzgibbons, to pay much attention to what Quentin Lambert had said.  In her head Madeline could hear his voice but the words didn’t compute. It was like she had taken a step back and was observing his dialog in mute.  He was mouthing the words but she was not hearing them, for the information about Murtagh Fitzgibbons had knocked her for a six. This older operative had managed to pull the wool over her eyes, and fool her and Operations with his clandestine sleuthing and egregious actions.

She realised that at the moment that Murtagh’s name was mentioned, that everything started to make sense with his actions towards Jamie and Claire as well.  She and Operations had missed all the clues he had been sending out to the universe.  Murtagh did many things behind their backs that was against orders and protocol, and he always knew more than he let on. His affection for Claire was never hidden and his loyalty to Jamie was obvious. He was very good at portraying the affable old munitions guy playing the part so convincingly. He was Section’s old-timer, and because of his demeanour, Murtagh Fitzgibbons had been the perfect foil for suspicion and for going under the radar undetected.  With Fergus Claudel bumbling along beside him he was able to keep his ear to the ground and his eyes on the prize.  He was well liked in Section and people confided in him thinking that because he had been around for so long, he was harmless.   She and Operations had fallen into this trap as well.  This fact was a huge mistake for them both and especially for her because as Head Strategist, that finger on the pulse was not as firm as it should have been.

However, the thing that riled her the most was that as Section One’s Psychologist as well, she should have known everything about the operatives in Section … but obviously she did not.  This was a blow not only to her expertise in her perceptive skills but an enormous blow to her ego.  Murtagh had undergone many profile examinations but never once had he given any indication of duplicity.  He was a stalwart member of Section albeit a cranky old bugger, and his position as Munitions expert was well respected.  It was he who was responsible for making sure that all of the equipment that was needed was in top condition, for if his weapons failed, so too did the missions. 

It was her job to analyze data on each individual as well as put them through performance assessments determining their suitability to still carry out their designated duties.  Her job was to have her finger on the pulse in all that happened in Section One on a daily basis.  Surveillance of operatives was a key component of her analysis but in Murtagh Fitzgibbons case, he never once failed any of these tests.  Given his longevity in Section One it was more his attitude rather than his physical prowess that was assessed. Dealing with the mind was where she was most interested, and with Murtagh he seemed such a larrikin that she never once realised that a keen mind lurked under his jovial persona. 

As Section One’s psychologist, she knew how all their people thought felt and behaved. She tested how they reacted to anxiety and stress through in-depth evaluation processes to determine the mental health of their operatives. She needed to assess and diagnose any psychological problems and behavioral dysfunctions amongst field operatives and other Section personnel. It was crucial that all active and non-active operatives functioned at their optimum level. If they failed her Psych Analysis tests, they were placed in abeyance or placed on a suicide mission, for they could not cut the mustard in Section One.

These tests were conducted randomly from time to time, and never once did Murtagh fail to perform well.  They needed the best operatives who could carry out their orders to the letter. Her study of their mindset and behaviours was imperative to keeping operatives on their toes, never knowing when an assessment would be carried out. Her evaluations studied their mental processes and behaviour by observing, interpreting, and recording how operatives related to their orders and ability to carry out said orders on missions. Intel gained through mission tapes was a crucial tool in eliminating the chaff from the wheat.  

Despite these in-depth tests, Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser had fooled her and Operations.  That thought made her cringe as to how she had been so negligent in her assessment of him.  His quirky disposition was a great foil to them both and they never once suspected that their Munitions’ Expert could be an undercover mole in Section for such a long while without detection. Once again,they had underestimated a crucial operative, because they overestimated themselves.  James Fraser was an expert in this and always one step ahead of them.  Now it seemed that Murtagh Fitzgibbons as well as Colum Mackenzie had also been.  Obviously, it must have been something in their Fraser and Mackenzie DNA.

His expertise was weaponry and gadgets for operatives to carry out their mission tasks.  She should have realised then that within that hippy body lurked the mind of the perfect undercover agent.  No doubt on Colum’s many visits to Section was when Murtagh passed on the information to him. Hiding in plain sight right under their noses seemed to be his mantra for clandestine espionage work.  He would have been unnoticeable, but stayed visible in a setting that he was able to go undetected.  He was always chatting to his buddy Fergus Claudel as well, so perhaps he roped him into passing on the intel as well in encrypted files or the like.  Fergus was after all a genius in technology, so perhaps they were working in tandem again right under their noses and in sight from the Perch.

In assessing Murtagh’s expertise in going on the retrieval mission and again to Macau to capture Karen Yee, the munitions expert proved himself to be competent and skilled.  His quick thinking in saving Jamie was commendable.  However, it was his and Fergus Claudel’s actions in Section when Jamie and Claire were in Med Lab that were suspicious and questionable especially when she found them in a classified area without approval. However, when nothing was found with the breach and nothing was discovered missing from the classified files, there was no way she or Operations could prove that Murtagh himself had been in breach of Section protocol. There was only one time that she could pin point his devious character was when he had called a spade a spade and Dougal had accused him of maligning his integrity. Murtagh’s retort had been telling now in hindsight. “Oh no, that would require you to have some for me to insult.”

Now because of Murtagh’s subterfuge and Jamie, Claire and Letitia’s testimonies, there would be no escape from her crimes.  She was perplexed how Murtagh Fitzgibbons could have flown under the radar for so long without detection, but then again, his antics were looked upon as pranks and nothing serious.  Little did she or Operations know they had a traitor within their midst.  This was an abject failure on her behalf when her mantra was … failure was not an option.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Resting his eyes on Section’s Head Strategist once more, Mr. Lambert asked again a little louder this time, "Madeline? Are you listening to what Jamie has just said?"

Her mind was a blank for a moment as she had been lost in her musings about Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser.  But it certainly all came back to her with a vengeance when he continued speaking.  Mr. Lambert was not sure if Madeline was deliberately ignoring his questions, so he added more information for clarification and to jog her memory as she seemed to have tuned out.

“James Fraser mentioned yours and Operations’ ambivalence when he and Claire returned to Section after successfully reversing the Gelman procedure.  What do you have to say about that?”

She remembered.  She remembered everything about the Gelman process and their victorious return after the reversal.  Raising her head, Madeline looked in his direction, so he continued.

“Are you at all squirming at what you put Claire Beauchamp through in administering the Gelman procedure? For what she had to endure to be detoxed from the program to return her feelings and free will?  Have you anything at all to say in contrition for what you did to her?”

Madeline lowered her eyes.  What could she possibly say that would in any way appease a furious uncle, let alone the Head of all the Sections? All she needed to hear was the punishment she would receive.

“This is not how Centre or Oversight views leadership Madeline, and it’s certainly not the leadership for Section One!  What you have put these two operatives through over time is nothing less than shameful.  It is a vindictive pay back to operatives who performed their duties to the utmost perfection. Yet you and Dougal saw fit to punish them in the cruelest of ways for your own warped enjoyment.” Stoically, Madeline evaded his statements in silence, then with an emotionless look on her face she finally replied.  “Well, it seems that Colum Mackenzie has been busy with his dossiers and the testimony from Claire, Jamie and Letitia seems farcical in content as well.  However, I'm not familiar with all the incidents that have been mentioned, but if you say so, what recourse do I have?  You have decided that I am guilty and nothing will change that.”

“Yes, all we have heard have been an unfortunate collection of incidents,” was Quentin Lambert’s cynical response. “I would have expected better from you and of Operations but alas that was not to be. The dereliction of duty, your disregard for the leadership role in Section One and your devious mishandling of your operatives was abominable. To say Centre and Oversight is disappointed is an understatement.”

Madeline had to reply to Mr. Lambert’s declaration. “How dare you have the presumption to judge my contribution to this organization on such flimsy evidence?”

“It's not just only the procedures and manipulation of your operatives, in particular Claire Beauchamp and James Fraser, Madeline.  It was yours and Dougal’s failure to run Section as it should have been. Section had a specific purpose, but you both used it as a way to gain personal power and domination. Your position as leaders was to lead, not to strengthen your supremacy.  Not only that, but the relationship between you and Operations has concerned us for some time.  Colum’s dossiers only highlighted that fact and brought the truth to the surface.” “I really don't need to hear what some ad hoc internal affairs Pooh-Bah thinks of my work. Get to the punch line Mr. Lambert!” “If you insist. There's no place for you or Dougal Mackenzie at Section One. Not now…. Not ever.”

Stunned into silence she glared at the Head of Centre. “That’s yours and Colum’s problem. You both never understood what we were trying to do at Section One!”

“Oh, we have heard exactly what you and Operations had planned for Section One Madeline and there is no denying the facts.”

“Facts can be interpreted many ways that would favour your assumptions and not ours.  So, is that fair?  You have only the word of the Head of Oversight whose contempt for Operations and I is well known.  So, I am all ears for you to tell me what you have in mind for Dougal and I.” “Why don't you tell me instead Madeline? You’re a psychologist and strategist.  You seem particularly good at reading people’s minds!” “Let me guess: you want to make a point. You want to make an example of us.” “Very good, you’re beginning to understand that I have but one choice. Yours and Operations’ downfall began when you realized that Claire Beauchamp and James Fraser were better than you were.  So, you tried to kill Claire.  When that didn't work, you tried to break them up.  When that didn't work either, you tried to erase Claire’s memory of her partner Jamie. If you would have used half as much energy just trying to get along with them, maybe you wouldn't have ended up the way you did.” “What do you want me to say? I'll water my compassion so you can see it grow?” Ignoring Madeline’s tirade he said, “It is too late for that I’m afraid. You understand, in the end, this decision is mine and mine alone. You are both to be cancelled.”

Madeline's face was her answer. It was blank of any emotion at hearing the words she had expected the Head of Centre to say.

“You are going to be executed Madeline, and it isn’t going to be a pleasant death. It will be much the same fate that you inflicted on many cancelled terrorists. You’ll be taken to the White Room for a lesson in humility.  There you will then be subjected to the Gelman procedure yourself.  Finally, some of the torture techniques you have used over the years to make terrorists submit will be carried out.  Once that has been sufficiently administered you will be taken to Containment to await your cancellation. Do you understand?”

With a steely determination, Madeline stood up from her chair to reply. “I understand perfectly well … But that’s not going to happen!  I'll make my own decision regarding my fate Mr. Lambert!”

Section’s second in command would never let someone control her destiny as her answer to the Head of Centre attested.  She did things on her own terms, so in utter defiance and deciding she'd rather design her own fate than let anyone dictate it to her, Madeline calmly pulled out a cyanide capsule from the locket around her neck and bit down on the tablet.  Swallowing the poison pill, she let death embrace her.

Those gathered saw her actions, but it was Quentin Lambert who replied indifferently but also with a tinge of anger, “Well then! Rather than face her punishment, Madeline has decided her own fate.” 

He then hit the intercom button on the table and ordered … “Housekeeping.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued Friday 26th July

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 220

SYNOPSIS: The intel in these dossiers of devaluing James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp has been an eyeopener for Mr Lambert.   As more information comes to light, more home truths about their treatment by Operations and Madeline are disclosed.

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Chapter 219  and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

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CHAPTER 220

Quentin Lambert’s carefully worded announcement that Claire Beauchamp was his niece was a checkmate moment by the Head of Centre.  It was one that had Madeline shaking in her boots especially when all that she had done to Claire over the years would become known to Mr Lambert. Dougal Mackenzie too had a visceral reaction to the pronouncement as well, for he was not without guilt with what they had done to both Jamie and Claire.

The family connection came as a huge revelation to her and Dougal. It was a momentous shock even more now, particularly knowing what she and Operations had put Claire through. If they weren’t already aware of the trouble they were in, they were certainly mindful today that the ramifications of this announcement would have a far-reaching impact on anything else that was to be revealed.  She knew that once the Gelman procedure, that she used on Claire to finally separate her and Jamie was mentioned, then her goose was cooked.  There was no going back, not now, not ever.  She had her back well and truly against the wall and Dougal knew it as well.

The information concerning the devaluation of James Fraser’s status that had been presented had been extremely damaging enough.  Although the mission in question was some time ago, she knew that the Hard Wedge directive that was placed on their two best operatives had certainly backfired. Jamie’s testimony was impactful and coupled with Claire’s addendum, it was clear that things could go from bad to worse for her and Dougal.  Not everything they had done to this couple had been mentioned but there were certainly some cliff hanging evidence yet to be presented that would be detrimental.

One thing that was glaringly obvious was that the Head of Centre was impressed with James Fraser and no doubt Claire as his partner. He was aware that they were both very competent. No doubt he had aspirations for the pair to be new leaders.  The golden boy of Section One was undoubtedly a favourite of Colum and of Mr. Lambert.  It was quite evident that the two men favoured him as the next Leader of Section to take over their place and obviously with Claire by his side.  But where did that leave her and Dougal?  Demoted? Transferred to The Farm?  Dead?  The last thought was harrowing but it seemed that that was the most obvious move that Mr. Lambert would make.  Reading between the lines, there was only one conclusion she and Operations could make as all of their commentary indicated that would be his only choice. 

Lost in her thoughts Madeline looked over at James Fraser as he sat there, and thought back to the time when he was earmarked for Section greatness. 

She and Dougal never thought at the time that he would ever surpass them in intellect, prowess and skill.  James Fraser was the ideal Section One operative but they had to keep him suppressed for their own sanity.  He had proven again and again that he was indeed a worthy contender for leadership.  Despite this knowledge, they gave him only enough rope and curtailed any aspirations of taking over their role.  However, once Claire Beauchamp became his material everything changed and so too did their treatment of their Level 5 cold operative.   

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The fact that Mr. Lambert was now aware of their modus operandi in trying to separate Jamie and Claire by the harsh command had not been at all successful, he would be looking for other evidence that would support their treatment of his niece and James Fraser. Because the Hard Wedge directive had failed with Jamie and Claire, she had needed to find something else that would separate them for good.  The fact that it was the Gelman process, that Mr. Lambert was aware of because of Letitia Chisholm, would only make the fact that she had tried it on Claire Beauchamp all the more worrisome given that she was his niece.  Even with her sharp mind she knew it would be extremely impossible to move an immoveable object that was Quentin Lambert’s mindset. When her treatment of Claire was raised, she knew that she would have to fight tooth and nail to try and appease some of what she had done.

The look that Dougal had given her however, did not ally her fears.  It was the look that did not bode well for her in particular as she had been the instigator of this directive. However, Operations was not in the clear.  He had ordered Claire’s cancellation on several occasions that would undoubtedly be brought up.  If Colum Mackenzie had unearthed these accusations already, God knew what he had also discovered.  He must have had some other help other than Frank Wolverton-Randall in Section to know of these past misdeeds.  All they could do now was wait and see what other evidence that Colum Mackenzie would reveal.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Whenever you are ready Colum, you may present any other evidence you think is crucial to this enquiry,” Mr. Lambert announced.

“May I start by saying that what I can’t understand Quentin, is why my nephew and your niece were never promoted in their Levels if they were so exemplary in their successes.  Jamie and Claire certainly deserved to be higher levels than they were. By not elevating their status was this a means of keeping them under the thumb?  If James Fraser was a Level 9 operative like Madeline, were she and Dougal frightened that he might force a major takeover of Section?  Did they fear that Jamie and Claire would have greater support of other Section operatives for them to be leaders?”

“Perhaps it was a combination of all that you have stated Colum. No doubt it was a conundrum to Madeline and Operations to see how other operatives related to these two individuals.”

“It is certainly perplexing that Jamie was in Section for several years and rose through the ranks quickly, that is until Claire was recruited.  He remained on his Level 5 status and her on Level 2. Do you think there is a correlation there Quentin? Perhaps it was that once Madeline and Dougal saw the influence that your niece had on Jamie their plans changed dramatically, and that is why my brother and Madeline needed to separate them, or at worst eliminate Claire completely from Jamie’s life.”

Operations could not hold his tongue at hearing this accusation. “They were not ready to be promoted. Claire Beauchamp was still raw and undisciplined.  She needed to be brought under control. James Fraser was irrational and too emotional if his partner was in jeopardy.  This lack of discipline did not warrant promotion!”

Madeline too commented. “Claire made mistakes on missions and James Fraser covered for her.  We were aware of this through watching their mission tapes.  Jamie made decisions that could have influenced the result of the mission if Claire was compromised.  It was not leadership potential in our opinion.” 

“This beggars belief! Is that why you never promoted James Fraser, because he made life saving decisions that went against your profiles Madeline? Because he was protecting his partner? Should he have left her to die instead? That would have been fortuitous in breaking up their relationship … Claire’s death on a mission? Would it not?”

Madeline merely scoffed at Quentin Lambert’s implication and refused to answer the question.

“Again, your silence is an admission of guilt Madeline, and you too Dougal,” the Head of Centre rebuked.   “As you know Centre does not condone relationships between operatives. On the contrary if the partnership is a viable one and their numbers remain the same or improve, Centre has no complaints.”

“It is the same at Oversight, but Section One was contrary to that rule.”

“That is a shameless lie Mr. Lambert! Colum you have been to Section on numerous occasions to know this is not true,” Madeline interjected severely. “We do not veto relationships between operatives. We allowed Murtagh Fitzgibbons to become engaged to nurse Bóinne Rivière and we do not condone the budding relationship between Fergus Claudel and his assistant Marsali McKimmie.   We are not completely heartless!”

“Is that so Madeline?  Then please explain why it was only Jamie and Claire in the firing line, when other operatives were free to pursue a romantic relationship.”

“That is not true.  It was only field operatives.  We noticed that they were distracted on crucial missions if there was a choice in saving the romantic partner or completing the mission successfully.  If their partner was in danger then there was only one choice to be made, and that was to complete the mission regardless of casualties as per protocol.”

“Friendship is inevitable under these conditions. It's something we tolerate to an extent," Operations added. “However, Fraser and Beauchamp’s relationship was impacting on the execution of their mission profile more than was necessary and this was not acceptable.”

“Our superiors simply give excuses to justify the hatred they feel when seeing the happiness of others. This was particularly so for Jamie and I. We were constantly under surveillance to see if our relationship had deepened to more than just friendship.  It was this that had Madeline and Operations nervous thinking that we must be having clandestine liaisons on missions and not taking them seriously.  They had operatives to spy on us, but no evidence was ever forthcoming.  It was only in their suspicious warped minds that we could not perform our duties properly. Operations also ordered my cancellation on several missions which Jamie managed to usurp.”

“It appears then Madeline, that Jamie and Claire were even more dangerous to you and Operations. The two operative’s romantic partnership was constantly discouraged, yet it continued to flourish,” Colum Mackenzie quantified.

“This is indeed mindboggling news. So, in your opinion Dougal, it was perfectly okay if a partner was collateral damage? Even for Claire and James Fraser?  It was all about the success of the mission. Then how do you explain the numerous times my niece was in peril, but James Fraser still managed to save her and complete the mission successfully?”

Operations refused to even acknowledge his statements.  He knew by doing so that he would only dig a deeper hole for himself.

“Mr. Lambert and I have been aware of the qualities our nephew and his niece possessed and the potential of both of these operatives. It was always at the back of our minds that at some time in the future, they could be under consideration in a new regime.  Is that what set you and Madeline off on this path of alienation between James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp?”

“Never!”

Colum McKenzie knew very well that Dougal would be incensed with what he was about to say next.  “Well, the situations you put them through would attest otherwise.  Did you not manipulate Claire and Jamie on numerous occasions for your own benefit?  Then you turned the tables on them brother when you ordered their cancellation on several occasions. You had little regard for them also when Claire and Jamie were training recruits at The Farm in view to getting Section Eight up and running again. Your objective was to kill all for the End Game. Jamie and Claire became collateral as you and Madeline thought they were planning some retaliation for all you had put Claire through. Your plan was to use them as a Trojan Horse regardless if they lived or died thus solving the problem of the two of them as thorns in your side. Jamie and Claire’s death would foil threats to your leadership. James Fraser is an exceptional operative and that is why he was able to thwart any plans to see his partner eliminated.”

“Who is it that has been passing on such scurrilous intel about the happenings at Section One? I cannot sit here any longer without commenting in our defense!” Madeline uttered angrily.  “Section is where missions happen and operatives are placed in perilous positions.  Relying on your team members is crucial to the success and capture of the terrorists. You can’t let your feelings interfere with the running of the mission profile … regardless of who you are.”

Operations too had listened to what had been said. Things were done differently in Section from Oversight and Centre.  He tried to illustrate that fact with his retort.

“You are talking nonsense brother! All of these missions were to serve a purpose of building up their skills in field mechanics, something which is necessary to keep an operative alive in crucial moments.  It is ludicrous to think that Madeline and I would purposely try to kill Section’s best operatives.  What good would that serve if other operatives revolted because of their deaths?  We would have had a mutiny on our hands of epic proportions.  No, all of these incidents had a different meaning than what you are portraying.”    “The more you try to explain Dougal, the more you incriminate yourself. For every one incident concerning your two best operatives, there are many more not listed.”

Madeline and Operations exchanged a somber look.  He stared at Colum, as too did his second in command, hardly believing what they had just heard. It was obvious that Mr. Lambert and his brother had Jamie and Claire under consideration for some time without their knowledge.  It seemed so from what had been said. However, being usurped by underlings like James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp was unthinkable and left a very bitter taste in their mouths.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Mr. Lambert needed to tell Operations and Madeline some home truths about Claire Beauchamp and Jamie which they wouldn’t like.  “I actually approved of my niece’s partnership with James Fraser. It was their type of relationship that was extremely beneficial to working harmoniously.  In fact, Claire herself said as much. Yet you denied Jamie’s request to search for her.”

“I did. It was protocol that deemed the action that should be taken.”

“I believe that our nephew asked for fifteen days owing to him to rescue her. He went it alone and went dark. Is that correct Dougal?”

“Yes. But I granted him those fifteen days.”

“That may be so, however, it was under duress and with strict instructions not to use any Section facilities or personnel to search for Claire.”

“That’s correct. But as per usual he disobeyed orders. James Fraser was always recalcitrant … but for Claire Beauchamp he went beyond and above.  He let his feelings interfere with his obligation to the Section, which was strictly against Section rules.”

“Do you often deny requests Dougal?  Or just James Fraser’s?”

“If requests were denied it was because of Section protocols Mr Lambert.  Operatives knew this and so did Jamie. It was the best we could do. Otherwise, we had to write Claire off just like any other operative if not found in twelve hours. That was our time limit.”

This intel was heartless and made Mr Lambert seethe.  “Your blatant disregard for my niece when she was in peril, or indeed any of your operatives’ welfare is callous Dougal.  But that was nothing unusual for you I suspect.  It’s evident that you have no compassion for either your nephew James Fraser or Claire Beauchamp.”

“Operations left Jamie with no choice Quentin.  He did what had to be done regardless of what Section protocols were. His partner was in danger and she needed to be rescued.”

"James Fraser would have been putting himself at risk to reclaim Claire at the monastery when she was kidnapped. I couldn't justify that brother. She was expendable … he was not. He had strict instructions not to think of going after Claire.” 

“No doubt you made that very clear Dougal, but had you known then that Claire Beauchamp was my niece, I’m sure that your answer would have been very different,” the Head of Centre proclaimed which made Operations uneasy for the truth of his words had hit a nerve.

“James Fraser was aware of the protocols. Did he expect we would make an exception for Claire?  He knew he had a job to do in capturing Sun Yee Lok and he was expected to do it.”

“And no doubt grieve on his own time for her fate. I am appalled by your lack of any compassion brother. I find your protocols cruel, callous and cold blooded.  Yet again that personality trait had always been there with you, even as a child.”

“In his efforts to rescue Claire, he himself was captured.  This blatant disregard for orders meant other missions were sacrificed in rescuing the both of them from Karen Yee and her cronies,” was Operations’ terse reply.

“It was only because they were crucial to the End Game of capturing Sun Yee Lok Dougal.  Everything you two do is calculated.  Had Jamie and Claire not been needed to instigate a sting on Karen Yee in Macau you would have left them for dead.  The element of surprise at finding her adversaries still alive, was what was important to you not their lives per se.  It was all about yours and Madeline’s End Game and how this would increase your power base. If you can’t admit the truth then there is no hope at all for the two of you.”

As more of these truths hit home as to their objectives of the Rising Dragons’ mission, it became clearer that Operations and Madeline’s silent strategy in refusing to even acknowledge any of these facts, was an admission of just how guilty they were.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Mr. Lambert, that brings us to another devaluation of these two highly competent operatives. Along with not promoting them, Operations and Madeline put undue pressure on their mission success. Anything less than a hundred percent containment was seen as a failure.  Is that not the way you saw his mission statistics brother?”

“Jamie’s numbers have always been high, but if he had no distractions then they would be even higher. Claire Beauchamp had affected his numbers.”

“But not exponentially so. Is that correct?”

Operations answer was mocking. “If you say so Colum.  You seem to have all of the intel at your fingertips.”

“James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp’s numbers were always in the top percentile.  Their partnership was the flag ship of success that other operatives wanted to emulate. In the field Jamie and Claire worked flawlessly together earning the respect of many others in Section.”

“So how do you rationalize taking any emotion out of a mission, if Jamie and Claire were the gold standard?  Surely their relationship only strengthened their performance?”

Madeline answered for as Head Strategist, it was she who was responsible for seeing that the mission profile was carried out to the letter. “There is no room for sentimentality on missions sir.”

“Jamie and Claire performed their missions to the highest level, yet you placed a hard wedge between them forbidding them to even see each other or associate outside of Section with the threat of cancellation if they broke this protocol directive. We have already heard that you even demoted James Fraser when you saw that their relationship was developing not to your liking.”

“If you say so, Colum.”

“I know so, and more importantly so do you.  The person you put in charge of the mission was ill equipped to carry it out and had it not been for Jamie the mission would have failed.  As it was, he took the reins and Davenport was thankful because he was out of his depth. This was all because of yours and Operations’ punishment for the relationship between them.  Is that not true Jamie?”

“It was as ye have already stated Mr. Mackenzie.  Claire and I had a Hard Wedge directive placed on us to keep us apart ye ken. That mission ye mentioned would have failed but I couldnae let that happened when Claire and I managed to pull off the impossible.  Davenport even said he could never have achieved what we did without our leadership.”

“The Hard Wedge was a means of keeping them focused on the job and not the emotional baggage that came with a relationship,” Madeline clarified tersely in order to justify why it was used on this particular couple.

“Yet you forbid them under the threat of cancellation to see each other in their private time, when you and Operations carried on a romantic liaison for some considerable time.  Is that not true?”

“In the beginning, but we’ve been totally professional in our dealings for some time now.”

“Well, that is not what I observed only just recently when you said that Operations was still garnering sexual favours from you.”

“Sexual but not romantic … there is a profound difference.  And besides the foreplay was becoming a distraction for both of us in our duties as leaders of Section," was Madeline succinct reply. “Jamie and Claire’s relationship was both romantic and sexual in nature with co-habitation on many occasions at their places of residence." 

“So, this is what ate away at you?  Did it Madeline … the fact that they were in love yet they were still able to carry out their mission profiles with great success?” 

“From what I observed when I visited Section One, for every flirtation or banter between you and my brother, there was another of coldness and rejection. You argued and at times appeared to go out of your way to hurt each other. I was aware that not every gesture between the two of you was legitimate, especially on those times when you thought you had fooled me in to believing your theatrics.”

“It is my belief that the most significant correlation in your lives and in your relationship, was that of control.  You both wanted, and needed to have control of your working environment, control of your subordinates and most importantly self-control, but also a fierce need to have control over each other. Your desire for control verged on the dangerously obsessive.  And this is what you were with Jamie and Claire … Obsessed!”

“That is so true Quentin. My brother was Madeline's superior officer, and he quite literally held the power of life and death over her.  Madeline, however, had her own power over Dougal for she knew all too well where the bodies were buried in Section One.  She could have destroyed him easily had she set out to do so.”

Mr Lambert’s next statement however, summed up why Madeline and Operations feared the rise of Jamie and Claire until they had surpassed them in command. 

“The most obvious source of control came from the hierarchy of leadership itself.  Yours was a partnership made in hell, but which wreaked havoc on all who worked in Section with your rule of fear. No wonder James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp stood out like a beacon of humanity in the hell hole you two had created. A new regime under their leadership is long overdue.” 

Bile rose up in Madeline and Operations’ mouths with the truth of his statements, for it was an accurate summation of how they had led Section.  With all of this damaging intel coming to light, they had few secrets that had not yet been disclosed.  Everything that had been contained in Colum Mackenzie’s dossiers had tightened the noose around their necks.  Yet there were still some home truths that they were dreading that would well and truly seal their coffins.  

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Have we nearly concluded Colum?  I have heard such damaging information that I am aghast at all that you have managed to collate.  I am appalled by what I have heard as no doubt you and Letitia have as well.  Is there anything else that needs to be brought up before I pass judgement?”

“There is one crucial misdemeanour that needs to be addressed sir, that is of the utmost importance.  This is by far the most heinous of crimes committed against your niece that show how warped and deranged Operations and Madeline were in their efforts to control not only Claire Beauchamp, but James Fraser as well.  If this succeeded then Madeline and Operations planned to submit all Section One operatives to the same procedure.  It is critical as this shows what length Section’s leaders would go to have total control over all who worked in Section.”

“Very well … please proceed Colum.”

Madeline had been dreading this moment when the Gelman technique used on Claire would be brought up, especially now, knowing that Claire Beauchamp was the Head of Centre’s niece.  Once Mr Lambert heard what had been done, she knew that the Scales of Justice would be weighted against her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued Friday 29th July

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 222

SYNOPSIS:  With Operations in the White Room, Madeline is left to face the music as Claire, Jamie and Letitia explain to the Head of Centre what happened to her.  Meanwhile Colum Mackenzie pays his brother a visit in the White Room.

Chapter 221 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

I am very appreciative to all who are reading my story.  THANK YOU all so much. 👋

CHAPTER 222

Once Operations had been removed from the Committee Room to face his fate in the White Room, the sole figure of a stoic Madeline Sand sat rigid in her chair awaiting whatever Claire and Jamie would say. She knew more and more evidence would begin to pile up against her in regards to her methods of brainwashing Claire Beauchamp with the experimental Gelman process.  Alone by herself and alone with her thoughts, Madeline felt the pressure of the weight of the world on her shoulders.    

Although much had already been said about the brainwashing for the Sánchez Mission, this was not the first time she had used this method of control over Claire.  There were reasons for doing so, for if James Fraser was a threat to their leadership, Claire Beauchamp was a bigger threat for them.  She and Operations realised that Claire was the key to controlling Jamie, but in hindsight perhaps it would have been better to use the Gelman procedure on him rather than her. They had made a monumental error of judgement in whom they chose to screw with.

She should have “adjusted" Jamie instead of his partner. If he was under their control, Claire might have been powerless to change him and there was no way that she would have been able to reverse the programme as Jamie had done for her.  This was indeed a serious mistake and one she had regretted for some time given how things had obviously panned out with what their Level 5 operative was capable of doing.  James Fraser was the power in that relationship. She knew that he wouldn’t accept what they had done to his partner without some form of retaliation and interference.  She knew that he would have, and did, move heaven and earth to rescue her and reverse the Gelman mind altering experiment they had used on Claire.

Had she known that Jamie’s last words to his lover before he found the way to reverse the programme were, "I won't let them do this," she would have known how determined he was to make that happen.  James Fraser was one never to underestimate, and sadly they had done it on one too many occasions when it counted the most. She should have realised that he was predictable where Claire was concerned.  She and Operations were well aware that he had thwarted many of their plans to have her cancelled but every time Jamie had managed to find a way to make sure that didn’t happen. She was so convinced that the Gelman procedure could be carried out without his interference, but somehow, he had found a way to return to Section without their knowledge and kidnap Claire when they thought they were home and hosed. That was a huge mistake in hindsight and one that now saw the both of them in this predicament.       

There had never been a recruit like Claire Beauchamp in Section before.  They butted heads on many occasions but she had always had the upper hand. She was nothing like Claire … she was devoid of any emotion for another human being.  She did not feel empathy or sympathy for anyone, in fact she was the complete opposite of Claire Beauchamp … and that was problematic on many levels.  The only thing they had in common was that they were both attractive. Whereas Claire had street smarts, she had perfected her skills in Section One over the years to where she could outsmart an underling like Claire Beauchamp without even drawing a breath. Hence her last spoken retort to her victim was dripping with sarcasm.

“Whenever your last meeting with Jamie was, I hope you made the most of it."

She remembered vividly these smug, pointed and arrogant words spoken to Claire before she began administering the programme.  They were spoken in sheer malice and with a touch of superiority that she finally had her victim in hand and that soon the drugs would begin to addle Claire’s mind. At long last, after all she and Operations had done to try and separate the two of them, she had succeeded in doing the impossible. All it had taken was to make sure that James Fraser was out of the picture.  She had a short window of opportunity to administer the toxic treatment that the Hard Wedge Directive, constant surveillance and all the failed cancellation missions had not been able to achieve.  This was a win-win for her personally as the mastermind of the procedure.

However, these words had come back to haunt her, for not only had James Fraser managed to return Claire Beauchamp to the way she was before the Gelman process, but by doing so he had managed to strengthen the bond they had wanted to eradicate. They had come back a more united, resilient and determined couple than ever before which again was a massive threat to her and Operations. Not only that, but Jamie had made contact with Letitia Chisholm and the ramifications of them meeting would indeed have a flow on effect for her and Dougal.  The fact that she too was alive posed other problems they were not foreseeing in regards to Colum Mackenzie.  Letitia’s return had also set off a chain of events they never thought would happen, and because of James Fraser all their potential plans were thrown into chaos. 

It was now where they found themselves … in this fight for their lives after being confronted with all the intel Colum Mackenzie had amassed.  Not having Operations to back her up with the allegations that would be forthcoming was also a blow.  Despite the fact that she could hold her own in any situation, knowing that he was in the White Room was not a sobering thought, especially with Mr Lambert’s orders of completing Henry and Elizabeth’s signature technique of torture.

So, whatever would be disclosed about the Gelman procedure, she was now on her own.  Justifying the reason it was used would be a moot point now given that regardless of what she may say in her defence, the Head of Centre had already made up his mind.  She was going to suffer. How?  She had no idea what he may have up his sleeve that would satisfy him as punishment enough for the crimes committed against his niece, Claire Beauchamp.  Only time would tell.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The sound of Mr Lambert’s voice superseded over her thoughts and Madeline knew she would have to pay attention to what his questions were, and how Claire would answer them.

“Can you recall what it was that Madeline did to you my dear with the Gelman mind controlling procedure?” 

“This programme was the most damaging of all used on me in an effort to wipe all feelings that I had for Jamie from my mind. With Operations’ approval, it was Madeline’s attempt to destroy our relationship for good. This method was experimental and if it succeeded on me, like Jamie has said, it would have been used on all Section operatives to be compliant to Madeline and Operations’ orders.”

“What were the effects of this experimental technique on you?  Did it change you in any way Claire?”

“Yes, it did.  I was not the real me.  I lost my free will uncle.  I became an unfeeling killing machine that had been ordered to kill the man I loved, Jamie himself.  Madeline knew that once he found out about what they had done to me, he would have moved heaven and earth to reverse the program.  With intel from Dr Gelman and Letitia Chisholm, Jamie had to kidnap me and force me to take the antidote he had discovered would return my emotions to me as a person and not the machine they had turned me into.”

“This Gelmanized Claire Beauchamp was unrecognizable. She was devoid of feelings and personality. She was dead inside, for that special ray of sunshine that everyone loved in Section was gone.  Once programmed, she had nae feelings at all for me, I meant nothing to her any more. My Claire had become their perfect robot to do whatever they ordered her to do with nae conscience.”

Letitia Chisholm then described what she knew of the process and how it differed from her own treatment.

“Section’s leaders used the Gelman technique on Claire, like they did on me but for more atrocious reasons. In my case it was for the takeover of Section, but for Claire it was more sinister.  It was a way of her losing all her feelings for her partner James Fraser.  She was extremely susceptible to the mind-altering procedure as she had submitted to it once before. By controlling Claire, they could control Jamie, or so they thought.  They totally underestimated his obstinacy and their bond. However, like with me, he went to all lengths to rescue her from their clasp to reverse the program and not a moment too soon I might add.  He only had seven days before her adjustment became permanent. It was a protracted withdrawal sequence that Jamie put Claire through, one that took patience, and more importantly … love.” 

“Dougal and Madeline did this procedure secretly Quinten knowing that if you were to find out what they had done, the ramifications would be severe,” Colum remarked agreeing with what Letitia had said.

“As they will be, and most harshly too. There is no denying that their motives were narcissistic and controlling.  So, there will be no way that you Madeline in particular can avoid a sentence that fits the crime.  Your co-conspirator is presently in the White Room experiencing a fraction of the punishment he so richly deserves, and which you too will experience in due course.”  

Then turning to the Head of Oversight, he instructed, “Colum I would like you to oversee how proceedings are going in the White Room with Operations.  Perhaps you can get some response from your brother as to the information that has been presented against him and Madeline, other than his condescending retorts. I’m sure you will find a way to make him see sense. Use whatever methods you deem appropriate. Then report back to me.”

“As you wish Quentin.” 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Once Colum Mackenzie had left the Committee Room, Letitia continued with her testimony. “Although they had tried the procedure on me, Madeline had perfected it even more when they decided to use Claire Beauchamp as a guinea pig in this experiment.  She was the perfect subject, for if Madeline was able to erase any of her emotions and feelings, then she knew that she had succeeded in the very thing that had caused her and Operations no end of angst … the relationship between their two best operatives.  In Madeline’s mind this was a crucial win-win for them. It then had the added benefit of mind control over all who were in Section.”

Quentin Lambert glared at Section’s Head Strategist and gave her a dressing down. “Well then Madeline, the truth is finally coming out about why you implemented the Gelman control.  There is no way to avoid your specific part in administering it with the idea of James Fraser never finding out about what you had done, until it was too late for him to do anything to save Claire. Operations is presently in the White Room suffering for his part in what happened to my niece, and the more I hear of what you did to Claire the more I feel that your time in the White Room will be imminent.  There is no way for you to avoid some specific persuasive techniques in there, the type of which you are only too familiar with.  You know how extremely effective Elizabeth and Henry are in making a person suffer.  I hope you are squirming in your seat with the thought of what awaits you once your colleague is suitably castigated,” was the Head of Centre’s ominous declaration.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Madeline wished that Dougal was here to offer his moral support as all that had been said had fallen on her shoulders.

Mr Lambert wanted to see her squirm but she would not give him the privilege of seeing her do that despite what he had just said. In spite of a little trepidation, she was stalwart in her reactions to his questioning.  She would remain strong and not buckle under any circumstances.  She had been through worst things in her life over the years and she was not going to throw in the towel just because of evidence that was mounting up against her.   No doubt Dougal was suffering with the signature incision that Henry and Elizabeth were famous for, but he would be showing no defeat despite being tortured. She too would show no emotion as to what was being said regardless of how she was internally feeling.

Notwithstanding Operations sanctioning the procedure, it appeared that it was she who took the brunt of the blame.  It was she who administered the drugs that altered Claire’s mind, and just like her methods in the White Room, it was a successful outcome.  If only Jaime had not found her within those seven days that the procedure needed to become permanent, then they could have continued with subjecting all of Section’s operatives to the brainwashing technique.  Then they would have had every person under their total control to do whatever they were told to do.

Knowing how it had been successful in ridding them of Letitia, in Claire Beauchamp’s case their reasons were purely self-serving. They needed James Fraser to be compliant and the only way they could do that was to remove the very person who was in their way … his partner and lover … Claire Beauchamp. Not only was it selfish, but the success of the programme would have had far reaching personal gains for them and the way they ran Section.  They wanted an army of operatives that were not just compliant and submissive but who would obey orders without questioning their motives. 

Her partner in crime, Operations was cold and ruthless, but she too was cut from the same cloth with a cold intelligence that had been her trademark characteristic. She was a brilliant strategist, who over the years had manipulated everybody without any feeling of remorse or hesitation. Claire Beauchamp was easy prey for she was the antithesis of her.  Claire had a conscience whereas she had none. Her methods were always with no feelings at all for the subjects of her experiments. She was fixated on getting the job done no matter what. She used her psychological skills like a master, but it was only James Fraser who saw through her persona. He was a dangerous adversary, so in order to keep him under the thumb she manipulated his partner in all kinds of experiments that tested the water every time as to how far she could go to see how he would react.  This constant Cat and Mouse game with their Level 5 operative was an addictive drug to her in one upmanship in order to beat him.

Her reasoning being that she was concerned that Jamie and Claire might destroy Section and its effectiveness.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Madeline felt a bead of sweat on her brow as she sat there squirming in her chair at what had been said, but refused to show her nervousness by wiping it away.  Instead, she stared into space with no emotion on her face. 

She knew there was still more that had not been said and waited for the accusations that would continue to be revealed before she said something.  She also waited for another tirade of blame that would be forthcoming from Mr Lambert.  He shot daggers at her with every new bit of evidence that was disclosed. Every piece of information was more damaging than the last and collectively it presented a picture that was very damming indeed.

With the added inclusion of Letitia’s Chisholm’s evidence, she wondered if that idea she had of saying it was to make Claire a more competent operative would hold water.  The fact that they wanted her feelings eradicated for James Fraser so that she would become, what in some ways was, what Jamie was before she came into Section and upset the status quo, seemed a good idea at the time.  Now not so much when her life was on the line.  All of this could have been avoided if they had perhaps been a little more lenient with Jamie and Claire’s relationship and let the natural progression of power take place, but instead, they wanted to hold on to that power by whatever means they could and refused to relinquish any control of Section to the man and woman who were the heirs apparent.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Head of Centre had observed Section’s Head Strategist as she sat there listening to what was being said. 

Madeline's demeanour gave nothing away as to her thoughts, but he knew that she would be worried, and whatever came out of her mouth would not be the truth as to what she was thinking. This woman was a shrewd cookie and it was not an easy task to throw her off balance.  Any other normal person would have capitulated by now given the evidence, but not Madeline.  Her facial features were blank and disinterested, but under that façade there was surely a woman who would be churning over in her mind the reliving of the real situation that was being discussed.  Madeline was an enigma of cold, narcissism and cynicism. She was a hard nut to crack but crack she would.  If not here then when her turn came in the White Room, he would oversee her interrogation.  He would get the answers he wanted with or without her cooperation.         

Without further ado, Mr Lambert directed his next question to James Fraser. “You had to kidnap Claire like you did with Letitia in order to save her from a life of damnation. Could you elaborate on what it was that set you on the path of rescuing Claire to begin deprogramming her?”

“Letitia Chisholm was my insurance policy.  Had it nae been for a message she sent stating that Operations and Madeline had been gloating that the process would become irreversible in just seven days, I wouldnae have ken that they had subjected my Claire to this program. It was all done in secret ye ken.   I needed to return to Section ASAP to put in place what needed to be done to save Claire. Without Letitia’s help I wouldnae have been able to rescue her and start deprogramming my Sassenach.”

“Why was that?”

“Because I had been sent away on a mission.  I had nae idea that Claire was being exposed to the process.  Once I did, it became a race against time to deprogram Claire without Operations and Madeline finding out, while simultaneously managing the mission.”

“How did you achieve that Jamie?”

“Wit’ the help of friends Fergus Claudel who by all accounts rose to the occasion despite his fear, and Murtagh Fitzgibbons, who took my place. Operations and Madeline grew suspicious, which only increased the danger for what I had to do.  I had tae contrive a way to isolate Claire, then kidnap her without notice, then administer detox and “stimulate obstructed emotions”. I took her to an isolated location far away from Section, so that I could start the deprogramming.  I had just one chance and a few days before Claire would never have been the same again.”

“You are undoubtedly a strategic genius, James Fraser.  No one else could have blindsided Madeline and Operations, kidnapped Claire and still managed to capture the terrorist.  I applaud your mastermind plan.”

“Thank ye sir, but everything I did, I did for Claire. The verra thought of my Sassenach without a soul, her emotions, her zest for life, her kindness and compassion for others, and her all-encompassing love for me which have always defined her, would have been unthinkable.  This is what the Gelman procedure did, it stripped a person of their free will.  I couldnae allow that to happen to my Claire.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Madeline listened to what had just been stated, but she was not going to take it lying down.  She would do whatever was humanly possible to try and turn the tide of blame.  She would lie through her teeth, and fudge the truth while admitting that what she did was under duress herself.  In so saying, she would throw Operations under the bus.

 “I did use the Gelman procedure on Claire, but I was under orders myself to do so Mr Lambert. Operations had the final say in everything that happened in Section including all experimental treatments.  If I had not followed orders, I could have been cancelled myself.  Dougal was my superior and his word was law in Section.”

However much, she tried to pull the wool over the Head of Centre’s eyes, he was having none of it.  Quentin Lambert saw through her ploy.

“As co-leader of Section One, you did have a choice Madeline to follow orders or not. My niece though, did not.  You had the ear of Operations and you could have pacified him knowing as you did the effect the experimental treatment would have on Claire. You had used it on Letitia and if not for Jamie she would have died as would have my niece as well.  You knew that this experiment if successful was to be used on all Section One operatives. So, save your explanations … they hold no weight here.  Like I said to Dougal, your words are hollow under the circumstances given the evidence from these key witnesses.”

Meanwhile in the White Room …

A condescending belligerent Operations sat strapped in the metal White Room chair and watched as Section’s torture specialists undid their infamous suitcases that held all of their torture paraphernalia.  As usual he was incensed that he was again in the room where he had been the one in charge. To be demoted to the one to receive rather than give the orders to torture the victim was not a pleasant thought.  The last time he had been here to receive the under-eye cut had been excruciating enough but now he knew just what to expect with the incision.  The pain would be unbearable. As he waited for what would come next, Operations heard the familiar creaking of the White Room door opening and the determined footsteps as they approached the chair.  The footfalls came closer and closer and he wondered if this was indeed Mr Lambert, James Fraser or his brother Colum who had come to finish the task he had started the other day. 

When he finally saw who it was Dougal sarcastically spoke.  With a sneer on his face, his words and voice were mocking and scornful.  “Well!  Well!  Well! Look who has come to gloat about my indisposition.  My loving brother … the one who has compiled such a load of bullshit in those dossiers that it is laughable.”

“Sour grapes don’t suit you Dougal. Admit defeat.” Colum answered. “Mr. Lambert has been very interested in what Oversight has compiled on the leaders of Section One.”

“I’d tread warily if I were you. There is much that I know about the skeletons in your closet too Colum,” Dougal retorted grasping at straws.

“On the contrary, that information has been not only enlightening but very incriminating evidence on the two of you.  As it has unravelled it has shown a labyrinth of deceit, collusion, treachery, treason, manipulation and alienation.  Yours and Madeline’s’ leadership has the earmark of a despotic regime and one that you have tried to hang on to by any means necessary.  And that was just the tip of the iceberg Dougal.  Section One has a very large problem with its leadership resulting in a serious situation of how you manage the operatives who inhabit there.”

“Don't patronize us Colum. Someone has been feeding you false Intel. You have no concrete proof that we had anything at all to do with any of these accusations.” “Mr. Lambert and I have all the proof we need Dougal. My sources are very reliable. This exposition of your misdemeanours has been an eye-opening experience for the Head of Centre and one in which he will come down hard on the both of you for your complicity in the things that have been presented. You are wrong in your assumptions of innocence brother. Section One needs a change in direction … a new regime if you wish. Despite your machinations you did serve the Section well once upon a time, but what you have done to hold on to power and thwart any threat to your leadership will not go unpunished.   It is not up to me to give the call for your cancellation for if I did I would have you drawn and quartered and your head on a pike!”

“Well, that’s a sobering thought brother.  I didn’t realise how callous you could be, but that is on me for underestimating you.”

“It is for Mr Lambert to pass judgement and what he has heard has been overwhelming Intel punishable by one way only." Colum Mackenzie let that thought sink in before he nonchalantly said, "Now? Where were we?  Ah! yes!  Henry and Elizabeth need to finish what they started the other night.”

Silence greeted his reply. However, Dougal Mackenzie’s eyes followed his brother as he gesticulated to the Torture Twins to come forward.  He watched as Henry took the surgical scalpel out of his case and ominously walked over to the chair with no expression on his face.  The last time this procedure had been administered he was unprepared for what it would feel like.  However, this time he knew exactly what to expect.  There would be pain, excruciating pain that would increase once his body realised what had just happened.  He tried to brace himself for that moment but just like the last time, Henry was swift in the execution of his task.  The last thing Operations remembered was the smell of blood and the unbearable pain as the sharp instrument sliced open the sensitive skin in his tender eye area. 

"ARRRGGHHH!!!

The sound of his guttural scream of pain echoed in the White Room, but no one there paid any attention whatsoever to his cry of agony.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued Friday 12th August

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 221

SYNOPSIS: The evidence from Claire is more telling as additional misdemeanours are revealed. When Mr Lambert finds out what Madeline and Operations did to his niece to make her compliant, he is furious and takes appropriate action.

Chapter 220 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

THANK YOU all so much for your continued support in reading, reblogging and commenting on my story.  It is most appreciated. 👋

CHAPTER 221

When Colum Mackenzie had said that there was one crucial misdemeanour that needed to be addressed that was of the utmost importance, and described it as the most heinous of crimes committed against Mr Lambert’s niece, then Madeline knew she was in serious trouble.

This was the first time since she and Dougal had been grilled by their superiors that she was nervous.  There was much that could come out in the wash about this procedure that she and Dougal thought would solve all of their problems. But once again they had underestimated James Fraser’s tenacity to know what was going on in Section behind his back.  If it was something that concerned his partner and lover Claire Beauchamp, then he always rode in like her knight in shining armour to rescue her.  In this case, they thought they had a window of opportunity to make sure that the Gelman procedure became irreversible on Claire, because they had sent him away from Section to deal with a particularly volatile situation that would take some time for him to achieve any end result.  Little did they know that someone had alerted him to the fact, and he had managed to control the situation while at the same time return to Section unbeknownst to them, and kidnap Claire. Once again, he had foiled their attempt to reprogramme his partner only proving that he was one step ahead of them yet again.

Now, no matter what Claire Beauchamp and James Fraser would say about the Gelman technique she had used on her, their narrative would certainly have the Head of Centre seething.  She was particularly concerned with how Claire’s testimony would tip the Scales of Justice against her in a negative direction, for there was no escaping what was to be revealed.

Letitia Chisholm was the first recipient of the Gelman experimentation while James Fraser had rescued her to find out how to reverse it because his partner Claire Beauchamp had been given the treatment.  The administration of the Gelman procedure to Claire was with sinister motives that would well and truly see her become a robot of an operative.  Not only that, but the mind control process would finally be what severed the feelings she had for her partner James Fraser once and for all.  All operatives would then become compliant to their leaders’ wishes with no fear of retaliations as to their methods of control. These three people held all the cards in their hands.  They also held their destiny of life or death with their evidence.  Mr Lambert would be sitting on the edge of his seat when the information was revealed by all three persons. 

She was more than worried, especially given all that had already occurred, the testimonies given and especially all that had been exposed in Colum Mackenzie’s dossiers that was incriminating.  How could the Head of Centre be compassionate or show clemency to her and Dougal if this was the straw that broke the camel’s back?  Their recounts would only impact the severity of the penalty Mr Lambert would hand down.

If there was a way that she could refute what they were to say then she would seize on any small measure that could make a difference.  The chances were very slim but she had nothing to lose as the writing was already on the wall.  She and Dougal would not leave this room without the harshest of punishments.  She had observed Mr Lambert’s facial expressions whenever anything untoward had happened to Claire Beauchamp and he seemed incredulous that they had subjected his niece to the harshest of procedures.  They had to justify the why they had been so hard on Claire when other operatives’ training had not been so tough.  Perhaps this was the avenue they could explain as their way of making her the best operative befitting to be the partner to Section’s finest operative … James Fraser. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Head of Oversight’s voice broke Madeline from her thoughts. Colum Mackenzie finally glanced her way and referred to the pages in the file. “Madeline … this next incident has your signature written all over it. With Letitia Chisholm in the room, you can surely hazard a guess as to what it is. Should I continue?”

Defiantly Madeline glanced his way. “By all means Colum.”

“I am thinking that this crucial misdemeanour is the Gelman mind control procedure used on both Letitia and my niece.  Is that correct?”

“Indeed, it is Mr. Lambert.”

“Well then.  If the evidence that Claire recounts is as bad as what Letitia Chisholm has already spoken of, or if it is worse, then I am very interested to hear from the persons involved as to what occurred. I want to know what happened to my niece when this process was used on her to control her mind.  Present the evidence if you will Colum.” 

Turning to look at Madeline and Operations as they sat sweating bullets no less, Colum Mackenzie directed his statements straight to them.

“Although you two stripped James Fraser of his authority as a way to break him down and split them apart, when Jamie and Claire continued to see each other in secret, you used the risky Gelman Mind Control Process to transform Claire Beauchamp into a robotically efficient operative with no romantic feelings for him.”

Knowing that he had the upper hand, Colum paused somewhat before continuing, “That worked briefly didn’t it Madeline, but James Fraser found a way with Letitia Chisholm’s help to reverse the procedure.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dougal Mackenzie and his second in command cast him a blank stare similar to the looks that they had often given him when he appeared in Section unannounced.  Madeline was livid at Colum’s antics but her stoic demeanour registered nothing of her inner thoughts as she looked up and stared at the Head of Oversight.

She had not fully analysed in her head the turn of events taking place in this room. She was in two minds … incredulous and angry at the dossier information he had outlined and on the other hand, wary of the consequences that would befall them. What other hidden gems would the Head of Oversight reveal that they had kept hidden.  Again, the fact that there must have been another mole in Section ate at her given all that she and Dougal had always done to keep all their indiscretions under wraps. Whoever this person was, he or she had gone about their sleuthing right under their noses without being found out. That was a failure of hers and Dougal’s strict control of classified material.  This conundrum would eat away at her until she found out the culprit. 

Operations too looked up at his brother angry with all that he had done to bring the gallows every bit that closer to him.

Colum undoubtedly believed that this indeed was poetic justice … that he should pay for these wrongs against James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp.  But he and Madeline had done what they had done for the good of Section … regardless if it had benefited them as well. Now the fact that Colum was responsible for compiling these dossiers filled him with a hatred for the man, who with the Head of Centre, held his life in his hands. If he was not cancelled, he vowed that he would find a way to avenge this prejudice towards him and Madeline … but this time they would succeed in assassinating his brother. Colum’s days would be numbered if he was to live.  Oversight had presented some very incriminating evidence on the two of them, and it was but the tip of the iceberg. He wondered if they would bring up the other times they had brainwashed Claire Beauchamp to be compliant.  He hoped that they would dodge a bullet if it was not, but given what secrets had already been disclosed he was very wary of that happening.   

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Madeline knew her role in administering the Gelman experimental method would be aired as Quentin Lambert directed his question to Claire. “What is it that Section’s leaders did to you my dear?” 

“Uncle Lamb, I must inform you that the Gelman procedure was not the first time I had been drugged by Madeline, on Operations’ orders.  She has carried out a number of unproven and dangerous mind-altering experiments on me all for the sake of manipulation.”  

Madeline looked somewhat shocked at this announcement but quickly hid the look on her face before her superiors would notice.  She was not expecting this but given how thorough Colum Mackenzie had been she wondered if Claire had been given some coaching in what to say. However, when she glanced at Colum and Mr. Lambert, they too looked surprised at what Claire had just said. There had been many times she had administered some form of control over Claire’s mind to make sure that she would comply with her orders.  Therefore, steps had to be taken in this regard, especially when Jamie was out of Section.

The Head of Centre glared at Operations. “Is this true Dougal?  Did you order Claire Beauchamp to be drugged on more than one occasion?”

And there it was … he acknowledged … another bullet that had hit the target.  There was no denying his orders in this and Claire would certainly explain what had happened. He may have given the orders to drug her, but it was Madeline who was the perpetrator of how it was done. Could he exonerate himself from blame? It was after all Madeline’s plan to use what she did to make Claire Beauchamp acquiescent.

However, Dougal Mackenzie merely shot him a defiant look as if to say … I refuse to answer as it may incriminate me. 

When he received no answer not even a blink of the eye, Quentin Lambert turned to his niece and commented on what she had just said.  “I knew of the Gelman procedure, but this is the first time I am hearing of this Claire.  When and why did Madeline administer drugs to make you more submissive?”

“The first time was when Madeline and Operations tried to force that Hard Wedge between the two of us.  Jamie and I had served the Section well and had exemplary numbers and containment on Missions, but that was not the problem.  The problem was our deep bond and connection that could possibly rival them.”

“I can see that there is a similar thread to all of these misdemeanours that have been presented.  It would appear that they all seem to be of Madeline and Operations’ fear of an overthrow of power by the two exemplary operatives, who obviously had the support of many in Section. I am thinking that the green-eyed monster reared its ugly head too, particularly if they thought Jamie and Claire were even better than they.  If so then this is beyond abhorrent.”

Section’s leaders both merely scoffed at his accusations with disdainful sneers.

“This was one of the main reasons behind using mind-altering drugs on Claire but nae the only one sir. It was the beginning of their constant manipulation of her but the Gelman method was by far the worse ye ken. Our superiors thought that by controlling Claire, they had a bargaining chip in also controlling me to toe the line,” James Fraser added in way of an explanation.

Mr. Lambert wanted to tread lightly as recollections of what happened to Claire could trigger thoughts that would be distressing, but would undeniably reveal another of their leaders’ dastardly deeds. “Please explain what happened to you Claire.”

“The second time I was drugged was for the Sánchez Brothers’ mission. They were particularly dangerous and thoroughly sadistic drug cartel terrorists that Section had been unable to capture.  Operations ordered Madeline to set up an undercover scenario in which I met them, and knowing that my looks would entice the leader, I was ordered to foster a relationship with him.  It was a Valentine mission in which I was to be intimate with the main brother in order to gain his affection, and in that way capture them. I did not want to go undercover for this mission if that was the profile.  Jamie and I both objected, but to no avail.  Hence, I was secretly drugged against my knowledge.”

“This undercover mission was both dangerous and difficult to stomach, so to ensure that Claire performed as required, Section went far beyond mere manipulation. They violated her and Claire’s emotions by what they covertly did to her.” 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Madeline and Operations sat there stony faced as their actions were recalled for that mission. 

The Sánchez Brothers were particularly slippery and hard to apprehend and this was the only way that they could get close to them and have any chance of bringing them into Section.  Jamie and Claire’s objections were brushed off as insignificant for the End Game was all that was important in their minds. Feelings never came into the equation … operatives had a job to do and asked no questions.  The only way that they could ensure that Claire Beauchamp was compliant was to make sure that James Fraser was elsewhere when the mission was to take place. 

Although they had both objected vehemently to the mission, as Claire was not trained in Valentine procedures, nonetheless, they ignored their concerns but had secretly drugged Claire over time by placing the drug on anything that she would touch and see … her PDA, embedded subliminal messages in her apartment and other objects that would let the drug seep into her system. Once the drug was sufficiently administered, they then use subliminal images of Jamie’s face to complete the saturation of the drug in her body, and in so doing have control of her mind. The fact that James Fraser found out about the mission and rescued Claire before she had to engage in sex with the terrorist just reinforced in their minds that he must have been told by someone in Section what they were doing. Who that someone was, was a mystery to them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Again, turning to the two detainees, the Head of Centre wanted to know if this was indeed their modus operandi, drugging new recruits to do their bidding against their will.

“Undercover work is part of our way of getting close to the targets and catching them off guard to apprehend them.  It is normal protocol for Section operatives Mr. Lambert.”

“But Madeline … You drugged Claire against her will so that she could carry out what had been profiled!  The mission my niece has just mentioned went well beyond normal protocol for a Level 2 operative, untrained in Valentine procedures, which you made sure she would have to fulfil.”

“It was just another task operatives are ordered to do. Drugging them is a detached way of making sure that operatives are not stressed over what they are needed to do to capture the terrorists. In all Valentine situations like this, operatives are told, as was Claire, that she would have her own emotions back when the mission was over,” was Madeline’s retort as a way of justifying their methods of operative control.

Mr. Lambert was more than incensed. “This is unbelievable! You are obviously delusional or lack any form of emotional morality yourself Madeline to put an untrained operative in such a situation. You then have the temerity to justify it by stating that they could have their free will back when the drugs wore off.  This is no justification at all!”

“Claire Beauchamp had her mission orders and she failed to carry them out without interference from James Fraser,” Operations’ added, but his words sounded ruthless with no compassion for Claire whatsoever. 

“Undercover work using Jamie and my niece seems to be overly weighted with these two operatives, the recent being Claire’s lengthy undercover mission with Madame Cheung.  I believe that James Fraser had to impersonate an unknown associate because of the dangerous assignment you gave to Claire.”

“That always seems to be his modus operandi Mr. Lambert, inserting himself in mission profiles that are dangerous to Claire Beauchamp when she is trained to handle these assignments quite well on her own,” Dougal replied trying to change the narrative.

“What do you have to say that would in any way appease my anger at what my niece has just stated about the Sánchez mission Dougal?  As leader of Section One you have the final say in how operatives are arrayed, and obviously this plan was twofold. Manipulate for submission and remove the one who could and would foil your attempt at this heinous plan.” 

This time Operations had a slight scowl on his face but Madeline refused to look at Mr. Lambert for fear that she would give credence to his statement

“I see that your refusal is again deafening.” Quentin Lambert said in disgust. “You lack any ethics in testing your mantra of the end justifies the means by pushing the boundaries in every despicable way imaginable with your methodology. You are both repulsive and a blight on Section One!”

Then, turning towards James Fraser he asked, “Can you describe what Madeline and Operations did to guarantee that my niece performed on this dangerous mission Jamie?” “To guarantee that Claire complied as required, Section went far beyond mere manipulation. She was drugged and conditioned to care by using her feelings for me.  They used drugs and subliminal images of my image to trick her into believing that the terrorist was indeed me when she became intimate with him.  They transposed the terrorist’s face with mine in order to make Claire think she was in love with him.”

“The suffering that was wilfully inflicted on an innocent person by Section in pursuit of its objectives is totally repugnant!  My niece was clearly abused and manipulated.  I can also see the extent of Madeline and Operations’ manipulation of you both in their modus operandi.  I am appalled and sickened by their methods of compliance.  This is not what Section stands for! This is beyond the pale!”

“Claire’s worst fear was of being violated by Section and cruelly used by our leaders on that mission. They have used this form of obeyance several times on her. These fears were only exacerbated by her torture at the hands of the Rising Dragons when Operations refused to rescue her. My Claire has suffered exponentially at the hands of a deranged woman who takes thrills in seeing people suffer … and not just in the White Room.”

With a thunderous face, Quentin Lambert glanced daggers at the couple sitting opposite him, then resting his eyes on Dougal Mackenzie once more the Head of Centre stated, “What do you have to say for yourselves now that this intel has become known?  Did you think that your methods of brainwashing were within the realms of protocol you have been pontificating, or is this just usual practice at Section under your leadership?”

Section’s Leader’s normal response was to sit there with little expression on their faces refusing to answer. 

“Any such procedures are abhorrent to Mr. Lambert and Oversight. Manipulating Claire in this repugnant way was reprehensible and will not be tolerated. It is certainly outside the bounds of acceptable behaviour Quentin. I am appalled at my brother’s and Madeline’s lack of morality. It is deplorable and to think that they followed this brainwashing up with the Gelman procedure. I have no words!”

The Head of Centre was full of rage at Section’s leaders who sat there in stony silence refusing to comment to any more of his statements.  “Do you have anything to say? Speak up! I can’t hear you!  Madeline?  Operations?”

After a short pause of silence when both Dougal and Madeline said nothing in their defence Quentin Lambert continued with his outburst. 

“So, it appears that you have nothing to say on the matter yet again!  Are you afraid that by opening your mouths you would incriminate yourselves more than you have already done?  Cowards … the both of you!  You might like to remember this … Colum and I heard what you said to each other when in containment. It seems that the more I hear, the more the accusations against both you and Madeline are piling up. Every one of these accounts are more damaging than the last and this intel weighs heavily on my mind as to what punishment will be applicable for these heinous misdemeanours against James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It was becoming particularly heated between Section’s leaders and the Head of Centre, while the tension in the room could be cut with a knife. It took James Fraser to ease the situation somewhat.

“May I say something sir?”

“If it will curtail my anger by all means Mr Fraser.”

“It willnae do that Mr Lambert, but I ken that ye need to hear just what happened to my Claire with the sinister and dangerous Gelman process that was used on her as well.  It is important ye ken to have all the facts.  No doubt that is why Letitia Chisholm is here.”

“You are right … I do need to know what it is that they did to my niece. Can you enlighten us Jamie?”

“While I was away from Section on assignment, Madeline and Operations seized this opportunity tae subject Claire to the Gelman technique. On return, I discovered that Madeline had Claire "adjusted" in order tae eliminate her emotions and keep her under strict control. Once it had been administered, she was completely transformed into a robotic and remorseless killing machine. Fearing this process would be used on everyone in Section One, I attempted to find the mysterious Dr. Gelman, the man who created this form of brainwashing. I had just a few days in order tae find him so that I could find an antidote that would help reverse the programme and begin the deprogramming on Claire.  When Operations learnt of my search, he gave her the order to have me cancelled.”

Colum Mackenzie was gobsmacked by what Jamie had just stated. “What? I cannot believe that you would order the murder of your own nephew Dougal, and by his partner Claire Beauchamp nonetheless. All of Jamie's years of exemplary service to Section, all the critical missions he carried out for you, and you wanted to throw him away like a defective toy.  I am beyond words to understand your reasoning. Yet again, I shouldn’t be surprised as you ordered my assassination also.”

If looks could kill, Madeline and Operations would already be dead as the Head of Centre pronounced emphatically, “It is blatantly obvious that you both really were villains in this scenario.  By all accounts, as leaders of Section One you went one step too far this time, especially with your dealings with your two best operatives. As I have a personal interest in what you did to Claire Beauchamp, rest assured I will come down hard on you because of it when your sentence is announced.  I see that you are silent Madeline. James Fraser’s words have hit a nerve no doubt.”

“Like with my assassination, they attempted and implemented elimination plans for their own benefit to rid them of their best operative and rival by the very person who loved him … your niece Claire Beauchamp.” 

“What I am hearing of this adjustment procedure has the hackles rising on the back of my neck.”

“And deservedly so Quentin.”

“What do you have to say for yourselves?” Mr Lambert asked looking angrily at Madeline and Operations. He was furious with what he had already heard.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

However, the Heads of Centre and Oversight were greeted by stoic silence. If not for the steely looks of condescension in their eyes, they would not have known how Madeline and Operations were feeling. It was evident though, that they were braced for more accusations against them as the lengths they went to in administering the Gelman procedure on Claire had not all been revealed.

Colum Mackenzie could tell that Mr Lambert was absolutely seething with rage at Section’s leaders. “How do you wish to proceed Quentin?” he asked, realising that he was on the cusp of making a decision then and there that could change things dramatically despite not hearing all the intel concerning what they had done to his niece.

“I am nearly tempted to have you both taken to the White Room for a taste of your own medicine.   That’s something that would be familiar to you Dougal, would it not … judging by that slash under your eye.”

Dougal Mackenzie sat there with a condescending look on his face that stuck in Quentin Lambert’s throat.  His disdainful scorn was the last straw. He looked at Operations’ smug face and retracted his statement.

“On second thought I feel that a separation of the two of you is warranted.  Perhaps another turn in the White Room is needed.  Operations is in dire need for a matching scar! No doubt a little persuasion will improve his lack of contrition for what he and his second in command have inflicted on these two outstanding operatives.”

“And Madeline?”

Quentin Lambert gave Madeline a death stare. His hostile and contemptuous look directed at her sent chills down her spine. “As for you Madeline, I wish to see you squirm a little more when you hear from those involved with saving Claire and particularly for what you did to my niece with the Gelman procedure.  You will remain here to answer for your treatment of Claire Beauchamp yet again.  Your turn in the White Room will come soon enough.”  

As he was speaking Watson and Jacobs appeared as if from nowhere awaiting their orders yet again.

“Take Operations back to the White Room.  Get him out of my sight!”

“As you wish Mr. Lambert,” they replied as they escorted the Head of Section out of the Committee Room.  However, as they did so, Dougal Mackenzie finally found his voice.

With a thunderous look on his face Operations shouted out, “This is nothing more than a Kangaroo Court! Madeline and I have been tried and convicted regardless of what we have said!  You can all rot in hell!”

Ignoring Operations’ outbursts he stated, “Your words are hollow under the circumstances given the evidence from these key witnesses.  I will deal with you later Dougal.”

As his words echoed in Madeline’s ears, this left the forlorn figure of Section’s Head Strategist to face the music without the support of her wingman … her partner, Operations. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued Friday 5th August

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 232

SYNOPSIS: Jamie and Claire arrive at the Perch where Mr Lambert, Colum Mackenzie and Letitia Chisholm are waiting for their arrival. Standing on the threshold, Jamie remembers the last time he had taken control of Section One, and how this time it would be different. Meanwhile Murtagh Fitzgibbons makes his way to see his buddy Fergus to get something off his chest.  What will be the reaction to the new changing of the guard by those in Section?

I want to THANK all the lovely readers who have been engaged with this story.  Thank you all so much for your support, for your feedback, for your likes and for reblogging each week. I am so very grateful that you found my story and have kept reading each week. THANK YOU all so much. 👋

Chapter 231 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

*This can also be read on AO3

CHAPTER 232

James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp ascended the stairs, then standing on the precipice of the entrance to the Perch, they waited for the order to enter the aerie. They stood together in solidarity knowing that once they stepped over the threshold, that the hand of Fate had been enacted, and that once initiated into their new roles as the leaders of Section One, a power beyond their human control would determine what happened in the future.  It was Fate that had brought them together, it would be Fate that would be their guiding light and predetermine the course of events in how a new Section evolved.   They did not know what the hand of Fate had in store for them, but they believed that from this moment on they would make the right decisions to make Section One the bastion of a society where innocents were protected, as well as a world free from the threat of terrorism.

Under Madeline and Operations’ direction, Section was a heartless environment where operatives had to live their lives in such a soulless, harrowing place.  Their operatives knew that failure was not an option and that their life was treated as an expendable commodity. The original goals of Section’s manifesto that Letitia Chisholm had envisaged would be the same, but how they went about fulfilling its duties would be completely different from the past leaders. Thankfully Jamie and Claire had each other, plus some light-heartedness from their friends Murtagh Fitzgibbons and Fergus Claudel when situations may appear to be over stretched.  It was their support that had always kept them sane in adversity. Without that friendship, they may have lost what compassion they may have had, given all they’d endured under their past leaders. They were each other’s champion, and coupled with the hierarchy support from Centre and Oversight, the future looked bright with new beginnings, a fresh start with clear principles and ethics.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Standing on the threshold Jamie couldn’t help but remember the last time he had taken control of Section One.

When he had been in charge he’d been tested by not only Operations and Madeline, but also by his uncle to see if he had what it took to take over control permanently. On that occasion he had been tested by absolutely everyone and everything.  He’d gone head-to-head with all the heavyweights of Section including Colum, Madeline, Operations and even his Claire, all the while taking enormous risks to achieve the seemingly impossible. As the danger from all sides increased, he didn’t know if he would succeed when it seemed that everyone was against him.  But he knew his own strengths and capabilities, and in the long run he had triumphed but at a cost to he and his Sassenach.  The sting in the tail was that it had made things for he and Claire all the more perilous, and Madeline and Operations had pounced on his weakness … his Claire.

When Operations handed him temporary command of Section, he had managed to pull off the impossible mission thus showing just how he always thought strategically, and always remained alert for any opportunity to be proactive. He knew that if he succeeded, he would have sufficiently impressed the Head of Oversight and indeed Centre.  If he had been given full control of Section One over Operations, then he would have been able to protect Claire from him and Madeline and they could no longer endanger her life.  In addition to running Section at that time and, orchestrating the Bergomi mission, he had to counter internal sabotage from Madeline. He also couldn’t really tell Claire of his ulterior motives to keep her safe, for she didn’t want him to show favouritism towards her. He valued her life above all else, including considerations of fairness, morality, and Section protocol.

“I don’t want special treatment.”  She had told him and in reply he’d said, “Would you prefer to be dead?”

He knew there was much at stake and it was a fine line he was treading but he was doing it for her …. for the love of his life.

Admiration for his strategies soared with each challenge he faced using superior strategic intelligence and steely determination, and along with his partner’s superb field tactics in capturing the elusive terrorist Operations had told him not to undertake, only became a weapon to use when Operations returned to Section earlier than expected.  Obviously, he’d got wind of what was happening in his absence from Madeline and that he was showing up their incompetence in achieving their own end game with this enemy.  Unfortunately, this only put a bigger target on his and Claire’s backs because of the success they achieved overcoming impossible odds.

He'd been in a difficult situation seemingly juggling several balls in the air. Being the Head of Section if only temporary at the time meant a lot more to him than just having power.   It also meant that he had the ability to protect those he cared about, and at the time the machinations of Madeline and Operations about his and Claire’s relationship had been ramped up. Being in control meant he could keep her safe. Success of the mission also meant saved lives. Showing up their leaders’ ineptitude only compounded the fact that their jeopardy was now greater than ever before, as Operations and Madeline realized that he had the potential to be a real threat to their power.  By taking control of Section, he’d shown himself to be more than qualified for the position. Thus, to prevent any takeover by him they had used his weakness for Claire’s safety as the catalyst to keep them and particularly him under control. Dougal and Madeline took drastic steps to keep the two of them apart stopping at nothing to keep their best operative under the thumb with whatever it took, for by eliminating Claire Beauchamp from the picture, then they would have had total control of him.

Oversight and Centre too no doubt, knew of his potential when he had taken control of Section for those few days, but now he and Claire were in the position to set in motion the way they would conduct the business of running Section and still keep their operatives safe. On that occasion he had well and truly demonstrated his ability to handle the reins of power, so from hence forth he would continue to show that potential for successful leadership with his Sassenach by his side.

Squeezing Claire’s hand and giving his love one last look of we can do this together, Jamie announced, “Ye wanted to see us Mr Lambert, sir?”

Realising that James Fraser and his niece had arrived, the Head of Centre looked towards the door and replied, “Yes.  Come in.”

Meanwhile Murtagh makes his way to see Fergus …

Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser had left Jamie’s Office soon after his godson and Claire had also departed.  He had a spring in his step as he hastily made his way to Systems where his buddy Fergus Claudel, would have been privy to the vibe in the Common Area of the anticipation that the operatives must be feeling as to what was about to go down in the Perch.  No doubt they had seen the confident appearance of Section’s consummate operative and his partner as they traversed through the hub of Section on their way to where the Head of Centre, Oversight and the original founder of Section One, Letitia Chisholm were waiting. 

Over the years he had been in this place, there had been just two leaders of Section … Letitia and Operations … and Murtagh had experienced both of their reigns.  One had legitimately started Section, the other had usurped her and taken control by force and coercion.  The manner in which they ran this organisation were in complete contrast to one another. Under Letitia, Section operatives were spies and various other members of the intelligence community recruited against their will only if absolutely necessary. However, it was Operations who came up with the idea of recruiting violent criminals.  These “expendable” people in his eyes, became blank slates upon which he could impose his Section will by allowing him to take advantage of his ruthlessness for them to carry out increasingly dangerous missions.  In so doing this would allow him to build a political powerbase without any threat.  Thus, those under the rule of Dougal Mackenzie and Madeline Sand had been subjected to draconian methods of control.  Due to his ruthless way of running Section, Operations had proven to be a colossal failure with morale and unit cohesion had plunged to an all-time low.  His statements to the Head of Oversight, and no doubt to the Head of Centre, were often self-serving, manipulative and an outright lie.

However, this time there would be a new regime, one that would balance the scales and return Section to the ideals that it had been founded on … integrity, honour, scruples and ethos. Third time was a charm, and with the inauguration of his godson, and Claire Beauchamp as the new leaders, Section would forge a successful new path into the future.  Jamie and Claire had developed into the people to transform Section One back to what it was originally … an organization where trusted comrades worked together to stop terrorist acts and protect not only the West but all innocents around the globe. They would also put their own individualistic stamp on the way Section would evolve.  

This organisation had not been a happy work environment under Madeline and Operations’ rule, and keeping his head down and saying little had kept him out of trouble, except for those times he’d wilfully bucked the system out of boredom, never meaning to get his pal into trouble with his hairbrained schemes.  However, the thrill of excitement had been totally worth it.  Had it not been for his lady love Bóinne, Fergus, his Sugar and his godson, Section would have been a very bleak place indeed.  Ensconced in his work area, Murtagh Fitzgibbons had kept his ear to the ground and his finger on the pulse of the comings and goings on in Section and this had helped him to manoeuvre without detection by the powers that be.   As munitions expert he did his job and was crucial in keeping operatives as safe as he could with his weaponry and ingenious inventions. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Having set the record straight with his godson, Murtagh Fitzgibbons still needed to talk to his friend Fergus about his relationship with James Fraser.  His buddy needed to know that he had been keeping some truths from him, not intentionally but out of expediency and to protect his godson from further retribution from his uncle Dougal Mackenzie. Perhaps now was the time for the truth given that Jamie and Claire were to be the new leaders.  Being truthful would make for a clean slate for this new beginning.

As he walked closer to Fergus Claudel’s station, Murtagh could see that his pal was sitting back in his chair devouring his favourite Oreo cookies which he did when he was nervous or when he was watching some major occurrence unfold.   Obviously having been witness to the traffic through the Common Area today, Fergus was enthralled by the latter.  So, seeing that he was alone, it was the perfect moment to tell him all that he had been hiding from him.

“Hey Fergus … watcha doing there, amigo?”

Hearing his friend’s voice, he turned towards him and replied, “Just watching Murtagh … Did you know that three times Jamie and Claire have passed through here, and three times the operatives have had different reactions.”

“How so?”

“Well … the first time they arrived this morning for the meeting in the Committee Room, there was trepidation on their faces, then when the inquisition was over, the mood had changed considerably.  It was one of inquisitiveness and wondering what was happening.  Just now when Jamie and Claire walked towards the Perch, there was an air of anticipation that something huge was going to happen.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes! … It’s been riveting Murtagh. I’ve munched through two packets of my Oreos already, and if I had some popcorn, I would have devoured that as well.”

Murtagh Fitzgibbons then looked up at the glass windows of the Perch and could see that Jamie and Claire had just entered and were talking to Mr Lambert.

“I guess they are inquisitive as the Head of Centre, Colum Mackenzie and Letitia Chisholm are all still here.”

“Yeah … that’s awesome too.  It’s never happened before.  It must mean something Murtagh. Don’t ya think?”

He nodded. “It appears that we will witness history today my friend.”

“That’s what I think too. Here, would you like an Oreo cookie?” he asked holding out the box towards his friend, “I’ve nearly eaten another whole packet.”

“No thanks buddy … but I do have something I need to tell you Fergus.”

“Sure … What is it?” he asked still keeping his eyes on what was happening in the Perch.

“It’s something about my relationship with Jamie.”

“Oh?” Fergus replied casting a puzzling look at his friend wondering what he could possibly say that he didn’t already know about that friendship.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Murtagh Fitzgibbons swallowed and took a deep breath before saying, “I have been keeping this information to myself for some time, in fact ever since Jamie came into Section, but I know that the time is right now to let you in on my secret.”

Turning to really look at his friend this time, Fergus was a little perplexed at hearing the serious tone in Murtagh’s voice. “A secret? …What is it?”

“James Fraser is my godson. I have been covertly keeping a watchful eye over him since his recruitment into Section, unbeknownst to him as well.  I made a promise to his mother and father that if our paths crossed, I would keep him safe.”

Fergus listened intently to what he had said as many thoughts about his statements flashed through his mind. “You trained Jamie?  Didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“So, you knew who he was all along, but in your own way kept a watchful eye out for him.”

“I did.”

However, the thing that confused Fergus was something that happened just recently which had scared the bejesus out of him with all that had happened on their little expedition to the classified area of Section.

“So, if you knew Jamie was your godson, why didn’t you say anything especially when we discovered his DNA while he was in Med Lab recovering?  That was a shock as it proved his relationship with Dougal and Colum Mackenzie.”

“Ah! … Yes! … That!”  Murtagh replied cagily remembering all the trouble that little adventure had led to for the two of them. “I needed to remain silent, for if Operations had found out what we knew, then we both would have been cancelled Fergus, Jamie as well no doubt.  Operations and Madeline couldn’t let that classified information be known. It would have ramifications for them if the Head of Oversight had known about the way they had treated their nephew Jamie.”

Fergus berated him, remembering all that they had gone through to get that classified intel on James Fraser. “So that exercise that nearly got us killed, that caused a breach in Section, and then all we had to go through with the interrogation in the White Room … was all for shits and giggles?”

Murtagh Fitzgibbons took a breath before answering, not knowing how Fergus would take his answer.  “At the time … I didn’t know it would turn out that way … but in reflection it was pretty funny … don’t you think?”  he asked hoping that his friend would see the humour in their little escapade. “You’re not angry with me? Are you, amigo?”

Fergus Claudel looked at his best friend and saw the contrition on his face and the hope that he had not burnt any bridges with their friendship.

“I should be … but no … I’m not angry with you Murtagh.  I was a willing participant in our little adventures and one thing I will admit … it got me out of my comfort zone and certainly gave me more confidence.”

“Oh, yeah … I remember you standing up to Madeline and Abernathy too. I was so proud of you little buddy.”

Fergus couldn’t help but chuckle at this recollection. “All is forgiven.  In fact, I think it is remarkable the lengths you went to, to fulfill that promise to the Frasers to keep a watchful eye over their son.”

“I did so want to tell you, but the time was never right to do so,” he replied apologetically.

“We have much to look forward to now Murtagh. James Fraser and Claire are to be our new leaders of Section.  That scenario may never have happened, if indeed Operations and Madeline had found out about your subterfuge.”

“That’s for sure amigo … So, I wonder what’s happening in the Perch now that Jamie and Claire have arrived?”

At the same time, they both looked up at the large glass windows towards the observation deck that doubled as the Head of Section’s office.  Operations was often seen working in there, but it would now become Jamie’s new office. They closely observed what was going on inside the sanctuary of the Perch as Jamie and Claire moved further into the centre of the aerie.

“Here Murtagh … I think you may need one of these cookies now.” Fergus announced holding out the half-eaten packet of sweet biscuits towards him, “Let’s sit back and watch your godson receive the Chain of Command.”

Inside the Perch ...

James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp confidently entered the aerie only to see the smiling faces of their two uncles and Letitia Chisholm. This was to be a moment of solemn investiture, importance and significance for them. This would be no trial run; this was the real thing now.  He was to be the new Operations, and his Sassenach … where she rightly should be … by his side.  Together they had weathered the trials and tribulations of life in Section, and it was only fitting that together they would stand side by side in this venture as well. 

Taking a quick look around the place that would be his new command centre, Jamie glanced towards the wide expanse of glass window running the length of the Perch.  From this vantage point he was able to look down over the entire main floor of Section where operatives worked tirelessly on various projects and missions.  Although this space was to be his new workstation, Jamie was undecided if he would use it on a permanent basis.  He didn’t want to give the operatives below the impression that he was spying on them, or didn’t trust them to do their duties like Operations had done before, so he decided that he may still work in his old office for more quiet reflection on occasion.

As he looked down on the Common Area, Jamie couldn’t help but notice the faces of those Section operatives who seemed to be frozen in time, standing there looking up with such expectant, eager and hopeful faces that he couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride run through his body. These were the people who he would vow to keep as safe as possible, for they would be putting their faith in him and Claire to change Section for the better.  These were supportive people who would carry out their duties without the fear they had experienced before.  He then happened to cast his eyes towards Systems and saw his godfather Murtagh Fitzgibbons with a huge beaming grin on his face.  He was sitting next to Fergus Claudel, along with Bóinne Rivière, and Marsali MacKimmie who had just joined them there and who too were smiling up towards the Perch.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Quentin Lambert gestured for James Fraser and his niece, to move forward into the middle of the Perch so as to give those operatives below a perfect view of what was about to take place.  As they did so, the Head of Oversight and Letitia Chisholm stood up to observe the proceedings for the formal change of command.

Colum Mackenzie looked at his nephew remembering trying to imagine how Section would be with Jamie in charge, and Claire Beauchamp as his second-in-command.

However, this man had proved without a shadow of a doubt that he did indeed have the proficiencies to be the leader. This penultimate operative was a natural born leader of men with the gift of easily discerning when it was best to negotiate and when it was time to go full throttle.  His nephew was perceptive, intuitive, a brilliant tactician and a fearless role model to others.  It was little wonder that those in his team looked up to him and more importantly survived on his missions.  It was this trait that endeared him to the other operatives in Section One.  Jamie had certainly proved this when he had orchestrated the capture of the elusive terrorist Bergomi, but it was his and Claire’s doggedness on the Rising Dragons’ missions that had sealed the deal. These two individuals had alliance of mind and heart, ensuring balance in the leadership that was distinctive in their characters.

Now Jamie was to be the new Operations and he had great faith in the fact that his nephew would prove to be an even greater leader than his Letitia was.  James Fraser had been a hands-on leader.  He was fiercely loyal and would protect those he loved at all costs, even if it meant making sacrifices for himself.  He would bring these characteristics to this in Section under his rule. He knew that Dougal and Madeline had been keeping a watchful eye over this special, competent man who had single handedly been able to plan and carry out mission profiles despite obstacles thrown his way in order to prove him wrong.  However, this leadership trait was innate in Jamie’s DNA and it was this that Madeline and his brother had feared the most. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Letitia Chisholm had also been witness to the lengths that James Fraser had gone to, to protect his partner Claire Beauchamp. She knew that their partnership as leaders of Section would be strong and steadfast for that is how their relationship had grown and flourished. They were a committed couple and were committed to seeing that Section One would thrive under their leadership.

When it came to his Sassenach partner, Jamie was a zealous protector, and because of it, he was the main threat to Madeline and Dougal Mackenzie’s leadership. Their best operative had trained Claire taking her under his wing, guiding her in the ways of Section but had fallen under her spell without realising that he had indeed fallen in love with her.  In order to try to control him, their leaders had chosen the very person he had feelings for … his partner, Claire Beauchamp. His ability to lead was evident from early on, so when the underling became the master, it was little wonder Madeline and Operations wanted to bring him down a peg or two.  It had always been through Claire that they’d tried to do so. However, everything they had put this woman through in their warped efforts had failed because James Fraser was always one step ahead of them.

Jamie was not just a great leader, but he was a man of action.  He was someone who actually followed through on any plan with doggedness and conviction.  It was this that made him a great leader of his team. He also put his team first, and himself second, which was a true leader's trait. Over the Rising Dragon’s mission, he went to extreme lengths to protect his loved one. Thankfully, Jamie would always manage to get his partner out of the situation relatively unscathed. After all, Claire was his heart and he moved heaven and earth to rescue her and would have died with her if that had been their fate. The fact that he not only loved Claire so deeply and purely, but he also looked at their relationship as complete equals.  It would be this that would see them rule Section with foresight and fairness, valuing the contributions of its members. 

On the other hand, Madeline and Operations had made sure that there was danger always lurking around the corner, waiting to find them.  It seemed that no matter what the couple tried to do to have a simpler, happier life together, trouble always found them and resulted in misfortune and turmoil. Yet, they had learned from these life lessons and these experiences would hold them in good stead. Jamie and Claire’s partnership as operatives and soon to be leaders of Section One, was now one for the ages and one that operatives would use as the benchmark for future pairings.

As Letitia stood beside the Head of Oversight, she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face knowing that Section One could not be in better hands than with this exceptional couple. Activating the communications button that would enable those below to hear the proceedings of taking command, Colum Mackenzie also looked on in pride as his nephew James Fraser and his partner Claire Beauchamp took the Oath of Office.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Congratulations Jamie.  You have control of Section One,” Mr Lambert stated as he placed the Chain of Command around his neck, before shaking his hand. “You have full operational authority from this day forward.”

“I understand.  I have command.  Thank ye, sir.”

“And you Claire … It is my privilege to announce that you are now the second in command to the new Operations.  You are very capable, and your strongest role lies in providing objective counsel to the person in charge … James Fraser.”

“I will … Thank you, sir.”

“Remember, with great power comes great responsibility.   I’m sure you are well aware of this and will act with a duty of care to all in Section One. I don’t need to tell you both what commitments you are taking on, but I have great faith that you will carry out the role of leaders of Section with the same enthusiasm and competence that you have displayed in all your past endeavours.”

“We will, Mr Lambert.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This was the moment everyone had all been waiting for … the changing of the guard and of James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp’s inauguration as leaders of Section One.

A ripple of thunderous applause suddenly broke out from all below in the Common Area. The operatives who had been keenly watching the proceedings and listening to what was taking place in the Perch, all stood as one giving James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp a standing ovation.  However, there were none more enthusiastic than a little group of four people in Systems. Jamie’s godfather, Murtagh Fitzgibbons gave a throaty holler out loud as he jumped for joy, Fergus Claudel dropped his cookies on the floor as he too stood up to applaud the new leaders, while the ladies just smiled at each other and spontaneously hugged one another in happiness. They all knew that this was indeed a momentous day … the beginning of a new regime in Section One.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued Friday 21st October

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 231

SYNOPSIS: Murtagh recalls times when his godson and Claire proved their loyalty to Section One.  Jamie and Claire make their way to their destiny while those in the hub of Section sense that new beginnings are imminent.

THANK YOU all for supporting this story, for your feedback, for your likes and for reblogging each chapter. I am so grateful that you are still enjoying Covert Operations.  Thank you all so much. 👋

Chapter 230 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

CHAPTER 231

“Jamie!  Could you and Claire make your way to the Perch ASAP.  There are some pressing matters that need to be addressed.”

James Fraser looked at Claire and nodded.  The order they had been waiting for had finally arrived.  The Head of Centre wanted them to come to the Perch to hand over the Chain of Command.  Now was the moment when it all would become real. All they had discussed with their uncles and with Letitia Chisholm about taking over the leadership was upon them, and once they walked out this door of Jamie’s office their lives would change. As the new Operations his workplace would be in the Perch and she would inherit Madeline’s old office as his second in command.  Their level status would change too, and no longer would Jamie be a Level 5 operative, but would be promoted to the level he deserved and was more than entitled to … Level 9. Claire’s level as well would change given the new position she would hold. However, despite this, they were not going to change, they would still be the same person, albeit playing a different role within the organisation … but it was those in Section who would ultimately do so.  They would still be able to go into the field as they had always done if needs be, and on those occasions that they had to be away from Section, Letitia Chisholm had offered to step in when required.  As the founder of Section One she was the obvious choice to take command when they were on missions or downtime.  Leading by example was their code of behaviour and it was how they would take Section into the future. 

Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser noticed the unspoken glances they exchanged and felt a surge of pride course through his body.  The moment he had waited for was imminent.  His godson and the woman he loved as a daughter would take over the reins of Section One this very day.  These two special people were on the precipice for a long-awaited new regime.  He knew that all the operatives would be as ecstatic as he, and he couldn’t wait to tell Bóinne and Fergus that change was happening.

“Are ye ready Claire … to face our destiny?” Jamie asked taking her hand in his and squeezing her fingers gently.

“With you by my side … always Jamie,” she replied reciprocating his gesture.

Bursting with the pride he could not contain Murtagh added, “All of your friends in Section have waited for this day Jamie.  They will be with you all the way as you both start this new journey together.”

“Thank ye Murtagh.  We appreciate yer support truly.”

Jamie and Claire, both gave him a furtive glance and placing their Section faces on … walked towards the door, leaving his godfather to remain behind for just a moment to collect his thoughts.  Murtagh’s grin however was contagious.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Although his godson had been at Section One for some years, he’d no real ambitions of being the leader until the time was appropriate. Jamie had all the qualities that the Head of Centre would have admired and Claire complimented him perfectly. Their paring and subsequent team leadership had made them the best of the best, so he knew that they were certainly the only choice to be the new leaders of Section One. His godson and his partner had been undervalued as operatives for far too long, while the extraneous things that Madeline and Dougal had subjected them to over the years were intolerable. Cancellation threats, mind altering drugs, manipulation, Protocol One directives and constant challenges thrown in their way had been obstacles they had overcome, and triumphed over. But then again, they were also challenges they had met head on, therefore because of them, both Jamie and Claire had become stronger and more resilient.  It was ultimately these issues relayed to Colum Mackenzie about Madeline and Operations that he’d highlighted in his dossiers, which were instrumental in the verdict brought down by the Head of Centre. 

He had watched them become resourceful, loyal and respected by other operatives. If given a choice, all those in Section would unanimously back Jamie and Claire now that they were to be given the reins of leadership. This had been the case when Operations had gone berserk in Section and a rebellion nearly resulted. Operatives had stood as one with Jamie and Claire on that occasion. It was clear that operatives had feared Operations and Madeline and the consequences of their actions should they fail an assignment.  On the other hand, they admired, respected, and feared James Fraser, not for what may happen to them if a mission was not successful, but more so that they had let him down when he had given his all to keep them safe. Many, if not all, admired his and Claire’s tenacity and loyalty to each other and to Section One. They saw in him the potential for a great leader who valued their efforts in the field, unlike their superiors who valued only the successes and punished the failures by subjecting their operatives to cancellation. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Murtagh Fitzgibbons remembered another incident that demonstrated their loyalty to Section and its people.  It had occurred some months before the Rising Dragons’ missions when Ralph Mowen, a member of Jamie’s team had returned from their mission in Scotland. That incident nearly caused the demise of Section One and all who worked there, had it not been for Jamie and Claire.

Ralph had given him two small evidence cases containing vials of residue he had collected on the terminated mission that needed to be analysed by Biotech. However soon after Mowen had dropped off the cases, as he crossed the floor to Comm, he began to wince and rub his temples as if he was just hit with a headache. He’d watched from his station, as Ralph started to leave, but the operative had felt something trickle down his nose and had wiped it away with his finger. On looking down he saw a smear of blood. For a moment he just looked perplexed as to what and why this had happened … then the pain hit him. Mowen yelled out in agony, then collapsed onto the floor. Before anyone could reach him, he started to convulse, blood streaming down his face. He had come down with a lethal genetically modified bacteria contagion ... an anthrax variant, that had penetrated all inside Section One.  Not only did he fall ill and eventually die a painful death, but the contagion went through Section like wildfire until over 92% of personnel was infected and many operatives also died.

On hearing this his friend Fergus immediately sprang into action. While all those around him were in panic mode Fergus Claudel seemed to be the only one on the floor who kept his head. His buddy was the hero of the situation, showing incredible calmness and control in the face of imminent death. While other operatives crumpled around him, he managed to keep a level head and stayed on top of every aspect of Comm. Keying in an emergency code he alerted all in Section to the bio hazard warning and to proceed to a containment area. All operatives had fifteen seconds to do so, after which the bio-containment shields dropped down over all doorways and exits.  Those people who did not have a chance to reach a containment area were trapped in the Common Area or Section hallways for the duration of the segregation. Sadly, those operatives caught there either died, or were dying with the same symptoms as what Ralph Mowen had.

Although Jamie and Claire had also been on the mission, monitoring it from a Section van, they had not entered the building where Mowen had been. The mission however, was a ploy. They had been set up by a terrorist group knowing that once any Section operative was in the building, they would become infected.  The enemy knew that the operative would come back to Section to report their findings.  Jamie and Claire were in isolation and were ordered to find the scientist who had been coerced in setting up this deadly scenario. They needed a liquid or injectable antibiotic that could be sprayed through the air system or administered by injection to save all in Section including himself.  Operations had even dictated an End Game scenario to those inside the building… Situation, critical.  End Game procedures are in place. All relevant files ... will be downloaded to a secure site. If the antibiotic ... is ineffective ..., I have programmed an incineration plan ... to contain the outbreak.

The escalating jeopardy of a deadly bacteria loose in Section drove Jamie and Claire to reveal the true core of their personalities. Because of the dire situation they had the perfect opportunity to destroy all there, and begin a new life away from Section One. Instead, they had obtained the antidote and had saved everyone from a painful, horrible death and the Section from certain disintegration. Their loyalty under these trying circumstances never wavered and the two of them did all they could to save as many operatives as possible. When they arrived back with the antidote, Fergus had said to them, “You don't need to come in. You can just leave the antibiotic.”

To which Jamie had replied … “Ye need all the help ye can get. Hurry up!” “That's crazy. You'll be infected for sure. You don't even know if the antibiotic works yet.” Claire had been adamant that they were not going anywhere. “Open the doors Fergus … Now!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thinking back on the situation as he watched Jamie and Claire begin to leave his office, Murtagh grinned with the knowledge that they would make the perfect leaders of Section.  

Because of the situation back at Section One, they had been given the chance to start a life together away from this hellhole, to live freely with no one looking over their shoulders, but had refused to do so.  He knew that the compassion they had both shown would indeed be the building block on which their leadership would grow and flourish. The most compelling aspect of the situation Jamie and Claire found themselves in, was the collision of the personal choices they could have made with the professional aspect of their characters.  When they returned with the antibiotic, they also deliberately exposed themselves to the bacteria in order to deliver the cure to their friends.  Had it not worked, they too would have died with their companions.

Jamie and Claire were so professionally in sync with one another in order to save those in Section, for that was their main goal not the fact they could have been free.   Had they not, all would have died a cruel death. It was this kind of leadership that they exhibited, that had been irrefutable. Leaders who gave their all for their personnel were extremely powerful in fostering like ethos in others. Operatives from all sections were in awe of Jamie and Claire and their manner in dealing with people. They were ruthless, when needed to be, compassionate and decisive and showed courage under fire. They put their life on the line time after time but expected no more of their team. Respect was earned. Jamie and Claire had that respect and admiration.

Operatives also had the added benefit of Claire acting as a go between if they needed to negotiate or plead with Jamie. His Sugar was emotionally caring; Jamie was one of them, a man who had come up through the ranks of Section, albeit quicker than others though. They had watched, as he became the penultimate operative, a man who was more deserving of more than the Level 5 status that he held. Operatives had seen that Claire would go to almost any lengths to keep them alive on missions, and while Jamie would sacrifice them if no other course was available, they also knew he would do the same. He asked for diligence and loyalty … nothing more than he would expect of himself. He appeared ruthless … he was, ruthless, ruthless in all aspects of control, profiling and in play manoeuvres, but this was his guise for expecting excellence from his team on missions. He knew that Jamie and Claire would never do anything that would jeopardize themselves or their team or compromise each other in any way, something which was the antithesis of Operations and Madeline’s mode of operation and control. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

His godson, James Fraser, and his partner, Claire Beauchamp, were leaders who led by example. They were perfect for the role they were about to take on, and he couldn’t wait to assist them in any way they saw fit.  

“I believe in you two,” Murtagh Fitzgibbons called out after them as they exited Jamie’s office hand in hand.

Jamie and Claire both stopped and looked back at his godfather. “Thank ye Murtagh, truly.”

The grin on the older operative’s face was one of immense pride in this young couple.  He knew that his godson and his Sugar would take over this role as Section’s leaders with the same tenacity that they faced any challenge … together.

“The very best luck … not that you’ll need it. I know you are both up to the challenge.”

Seeing the beaming grin on his face, Claire smiled at her friend in appreciation. “That means a lot to us Murtagh.”

The munition’s expert watched them leave as he too exited the door behind them to make his way to the Common Area.  He planned to meet up with his fiancée Bóinne, his pal Fergus and Marsali to observe what was going to be a momentous occasion in the Perch.  He could not wait to see the reaction of their colleagues when the announcement was made.

In the hub of Section …

Making their way back through the Common Area, James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp gave the impression of a Power Couple to all those who were witnessing their presence as they made their way towards the aerie, where the Head of Centre and the others were waiting for them.  The operatives had observed them this morning when they had arrived in Section, and then again when they returned from the Committee Room after the inquisition with Section’s past leaders.  Now as they watched them approach again, their vibes about the two of them brought forwards feelings of anticipation and change for the better.  The Section One they once knew would be irrevocably reformed with these two operatives at the helm.  Everyone knew it.  They couldn’t hide their joy at the prospect that at long last Section One would have leaders of the calibre of James Fraser and his partner Claire Beauchamp. Every person was overjoyed at the prospect of new beginnings.

“Jesus H Roosevelt Christ!” Claire exclaimed as she noticed the grinning faces of the Section personnel.

“What is it, Sassenach?”

“We are being watched again. This time the looks on the operatives’ faces is quite different from the times before.”

Jamie was in agreeance of her observations. “Aye, ‘tis Claire.  It is because they ken why we are heading to the Perch.  They have seen the Head of Centre, as well as Colum and Letitia there.  They have put two and two together where we are concerned.  They now realise that they wouldna be there for no reason.  They are there because of us.”

“They look happy Jamie.”

“Indeed, they do mo ghràidh. Verra happy. It is a new beginning for them as well as us.  They ken that things will change for the better, and the life they kent before with Madeline and Operations will be no longer.”

“Section One will be all the better with you as its head, my love.”

“We are a partnership Sassenach, and I couldna have done this without ye.”

Claire smiled at Jamie with all the love and pride she could feel in her heart for her partner in crime. She just knew that all would be well, for Section was in the most capable of hands.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Observing their body language, the operatives in the Common Area could tell by James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp’s bearing, that their footsteps in unison and their stoic demeanour were all evidence of their new status.  These two individuals were on a trajectory of significance and greatness, albeit one that would also benefit all who resided in Section One.  They were the preeminent couple who knew Section inside and out, from the secret non surveillance meeting locations they themselves had met in from time to time, the classified areas, the different levels of expertise, as well as the hub of Section where all the action happened.  They were destined this day to take command of the realm of this organisation and take it into the twenty first century.  James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp were the new breed of leader, one who got their hands dirty, one who worked alongside their team to achieve results, and one who would see that Section One evolved as the institution it was meant to be. 

All those who were observing their walk to the aerie knew that they were watching the changing of the guard at Section One. This time, everything would be very different. Jamie and Claire’s rule would be more humanistic, more compassionate more empathetic.  Under their leadership Section’s members would be highly trained professionals, recruited differently than that of convicted or falsely accused criminals and where regardless of gender, all would be valued based on their skills and position not on their sex.

Madeline and Operations saw compassion as a weakness to be overcome, but this was a strength to Jamie and particularly Claire. She was Section's personified conscience, James Fraser, the one who was highly respected and esteemed. He was tough, loyal but fair. In the past Jamie had to shut down and hide his humanity in order to survive, but this character trait would undoubtedly be a cornerstone to his and Claire’s leadership. When life and death hung in the balance, he and Claire were willing to die for each other, which made them stand out for what they believed and for what they were willing to sacrifice.  Together they would bring balance to all Section members professionally as well as personally to live as normal a life as possible despite the job they needed to do.

As a Power Couple they were hands down a force to be reckon with. These two operatives complimented each other's strengths and supported each other's individual qualities that would hold them in good stead in their new role. They empowered each other while at the same time wanting to succeed together in anything that they did as leaders of Section for the good of the world. That is what made them a formidable Power Couple. Their relationship was driven by trust and confidence in each other, encouraging one another to be the best individuals they could be.  They were the ying to each other’s yang, and together they would bring positivity to those around them.  

The operatives watching knew that there was always a certain menace that hung in the air with megalomaniac Operations and Machiavellian Madeline as leaders.  Their leadership was heartless and cruel, and the only thing that kept them busier than killing terrorists was killing their own employees.  Their relationship was fractured and self-serving, whereas James Fraser’s and Claire Beauchamp’s partnership was their strongest bond. They were equals who supported and respected one another.  They were each other’s best friend, completely comfortable with each other, and truly enjoyed each other’s company. They brought out the best in one another. This strong relationship would certainly filter down from the top and would impact in how other operatives viewed their colleagues in future endeavours.

The men and women of Section were excited to see this new leadership style come to fruition.  They had a bird’s eye view from the hub of Section, and would be able to see everything that transpired in the Perch.  They waited anxiously with expectation to see what happened when Jamie and Claire arrived where the Head of Centre, Oversight and Letitia Chisholm were waiting for them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As their footsteps neared the corridor and the staircase that led up to the Perch, Claire couldn’t help but ponder on what had actually brought them both to this moment in time.

Through all their ups and downs in the past, they were now in a place where their relationship was strengthened by all the shared moments they had endured on missions, and none more so than the twists and turns of the Rising Dragons’ mission itself. It was these exploits that had cemented their relationship, and despite what they had endured there, it had only strengthened their bond by the shared experiences.

Nevertheless, it was these life lessons that as the new leaders of Section One they would use to create and set goals for the organisation.  They would be able to accomplish them together in a collaborative way with their operatives. Validating these values and beliefs, would only strengthen their two-way trust with the Section personnel. She had great confidence in this remarkable man beside her, whose decisions would take Section one in the direction it needed to go, and if this trust was reciprocated then anything was possible. They were both completely motivated in making appropriate changes in Section a reality by bouncing ideas off one another, and being accountable for their choices.  Common goals and forward vision for a new Section One would be beneficial for all in the institution.

Thinking back to her recruitment, the biggest struggle for her in the beginning was to find her identity in Section without losing her own soul and compassion. Sadly, her empathy was a weakness that Madeline and Operations hammered home that she must overcome. But she never did comply to their directives in this matter, that is except when under the influence of the Gelman mind altering procedure they had administered on her. Instead, she found the love of her life with the man who now would inherit the leadership legitimately and have the power to be an agent of change within Section. Her Jamie was the epitome of sangfroid, dignity and self-assurance. He’d had to be cold, ruthless and dually acquiescent at times, yet rebellious to the games and machinations of Operations and Madeline more times than she could remember. However, he’d forge a new beginning for those who worked within Section from hence forth. Blessed with charm, good looks, mental and physical strength, skill with weapons and exceptional intelligence, at times Jamie seemed to also have the luck of the Irish, always finding the resources and grace to move forward despite the surveillance of Madeline and Operations of his every move. As he adopted a new persona, Jamie revealed a new shade of his soul to her. It was the sum of those shades … of strong combatant and leader, perceptive operative, and resilient victim that earned him the moniker King of Men in her eyes, but now he would also bear the name …  King of New Beginnings.  The qualities that had held him in good stead, wisdom and resilience in adversity, were the same ones that would help him navigate his new role in the future.

Her man was more than a mere Section survivor, he was strong, with a spirit that was rarely broken. In essence, James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser was born for this role of Section One’s leader.  He had the gift of easily discerning when it was best to negotiate and when it was time to act. He also had a sense of justice and duty that differed from their past leaders.  He was light to their shade.  Everything Jamie stood for was the antithesis of Madeline and Operations.  

No doubt life in Section for them with their new roles would at times be stressful, but planned downtime would buffer any negative effects of stress. They would ensure that their time together away from Section One had no distractions so they could stay connected, and continue to build their trust, and deepen their emotional bond and love.  Looking at her man she blushed a little just thinking of her Jamie, her sublime lover.  In her mind his most endearing quality was that he was an attentive romantic partner with exceptional seduction skills and how to use them to curl her toes. Just the thought of being together was all they would need to recharge the batteries before returning to face new challenges in this covert world.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just as they were about to climb the stairs to the Perch, James Fraser looked at his partner and saw that Claire seemed a little rattled.

“What’s the matter mo nighean donn? … Yer looking a little flustered.  Are ye okay?”

Her eyes were sparkling in embarrassed mischief as she replied, “I am perfectly fine Mr. Fraser …” She then gave him a knowing look.  “It’s just that my thoughts were elsewhere … for … just … a moment.”

“Would ye care to share, Miss Beauchamp?” he asked noting the slight breathlessness in her voice and the rosy hue on her cheeks increase.

“No … not here … but maybe later I can share those thoughts with you Jamie.”

“Ah!  I see … then ‘tis something we can look forward to together then, Sassenach,” he teased understanding her hidden meaning.

“I surely hope so. So, I will duly compose myself before facing my uncle and the others.  I’m sure they will think that I am just a little nervous at what is about to happen to you, and I,” Claire replied taking a deep breath as beside her Jamie gave a slight chuckle.

“Indeed … Verra well then, Sassenach. Brace yerself Claire!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued Friday 14th October.

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 228

SYNOPSIS: Operations is dead and Section is abuzz with the anticipation of change in the air. James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp make their way to his office to wait for his godfather Murtagh Fitzgibbons to arrive. Meanwhile Quentin Lambert and Colum Mackenzie make their way to the Perch where Letitia is waiting for them.

Chapter 227 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

THANK YOU to all who are reading and enjoying Covert Operations. It has certainly been quite a journey for Jamie and Claire, but also for me, writing this story and for the readers following along with their escapades. I sincerely appreciate your support.  Thank you all so much. 👋

CHAPTER 228

For the second time today James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp made their way through the Common Area to the furtive glances of operatives who looked up from their sections as they passed by. However, the looks they had received this morning when they first arrived, were very different now as they passed through the hub of Section One on the way towards Jamie’s office. Earlier today they’d noticed that operatives were nervously talking to each other in small groups although still going about their duties. It was little wonder that Section’s personnel were agitated especially after all that had occurred with their leaders’ arrest.  Operations and Madeline had been detained, Dougal Mackenzie had been tortured in the White Room, and they were both in the Committee Room facing an inquisition, about what they could only speculate. They were curious and interested to know what was happening and nervous eyes had seemed to follow their every step as they had entered and exited the Common Area on the way to testify. The tension was palatable with an air of uncertainty about what was happening to Operations and Madeline, but also what would happen to them in the future.  

However, this time there was no anxiety, but rather a sense of change that hung in the air. Although there was certainly still some nervousness about what had happened to Madeline and Operations’ fate for a few sceptics, it was the sight of Jamie and Claire that seemed to calm the situation and leave the operatives with a sense of optimism. That was a good thing and something they all had not had for a very long time. It seemed that things were going to improve in Section for the better.

There was a feeling of expectancy that was immediately noticeable when those working in and around the Common Area saw Section One’s two formidable operatives walking in syncopation as they normally did. They immediately saw a difference in Jamie and Claire.  It could mean only one thing … there would be changes that would impact on how things were done in Section One … changes that would resonate with all who worked here.   A transformation of profound significance seemed about to happen. Those watching were convinced that the buzz that hovered in the air was electrifying. There had never been this feeling before, for Section One usually had a sombre, dark and depressing vibe.  This feeling though, was more upbeat, as if a veil of misery had been lifted to reveal a workplace of renewed possibilities.  Whatever would occur henceforth, it felt so right. 

When in Section, James Fraser always displayed his enigmatic demeanour. Jamie had an air of mystery about him that no one was able to decipher.  Nonetheless all of Section’s operatives knew he was a superlative Team Leader, one who always made sure that his team achieved their End Game, but also that they returned from missions to live another day.  He was Section’s unmatched Level 5 operative and his bearing demonstrated this trait, while his determined gait indicated that he was in total control of any situation. This time however, there seemed to be something different about his and Claire’s footfalls.  There was more self-assurance than normal, and an emancipating aura around James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp.  Operatives felt an upbeat vibe about the couple, and they certainly admired their steadfastness. There had always been respect, admiration and awe for Section One’s two best operatives, but this time that respect seemed to be magnified. They also had a distinct consciousness of authority around them of two people who were now in charge.  There was a feeling that those watching may just be seeing the new leaders of Section One, and knew that things in this hellhole would soon transition for the better. 

Optimism abounded and there was a sense of relief that Section One was on a new trajectory. It was a liberating feeling to witness … the start of a new regime. There was a renewed confidence that with new leaders and more democratic leadership, Section One would still carry on with their covert work but, from hence forth, without the fear of cancellation hanging over the heads of its operatives.  James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp would usher in a new type of leadership they had never experienced.  These two operatives would lead by example to take Section One in a new direction unlike what they had experienced under Dougal Mackenzie and his second in command.

There were blatant contrasts between the two couples that were as different as night and day. Claire and Jamie both had a conscience.  Madeline and Operations did not.  These two special operatives loved each other and they had each other’s backs.  They would also have the support of the Hierarchy … their uncles at Centre and Oversight … and all those who loved and respected them.  That would be the glaring difference in their leadership in comparison to Operations and Madeline.

There was also a noted difference about Jamie and Claire that was immediately noticeable by those observing their bearing. They moved gracefully together like in a choreographed martial arts exercise, so in sync with one another, that it was as if they were the one person.  They also had a strangely peaceful countenance to their facial features and movements. Usually, their eyes gave nothing away of their state of mind about anything or anyone for that matter when they were in Section.  Their blank stares were legendary and caused much angst with Operations and Madeline.  They were unable to read what they were thinking and this frustrated them no end thus causing the ongoing manipulation of the couple. But the two of them were both smiling for all to see as if they didn’t care if others saw that they were together, and had a stronger bond than they had shown before.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As they walked through the Common Area on the way to his office, Jamie and Claire had similarly noticed the shifting in the atmosphere. The murmurings and glances of the operatives was certainly apparent. An air of expectancy abounded.  It seemed that hundreds of pairs of eyes were on their backs watching and assessing their movement through the work area.  The attentive individuals knew that something significant was happening with far reaching ramifications.  It was a tangible sensation that change was in the air while those watching had a sense that history was unfolding. They realised that they were living the experience of the changing of the guard. There was a pervading inference of hope, and confidence amongst those working in and around the Common Area, and an anticipation that tomorrow would herald a new and different ethos. The operatives knew that whatever changes would occur in the future would be because of James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp.  Any new directives to the way things operated from here on in, would be diametrically opposite to what they had endured under Madeline and Operations’ leadership. New changes would affect their life in Section One for the better, while there would be most welcomed changes under the Fraser-Beauchamp leadership.   

“All of the operatives are watching us again, Jamie,” Claire announced softly.

“I ken that Sassenach.” “It is different though from this morning.”

“Aye.  They ken what has transpired here today with Operations and Madeline, and now they are wondering what will happen to them.”

Staring at Jamie’s face Claire asked, “Do you think they know?”

In that instantaneous one look, she had seen deep into his eyes and knew that he had noticed the difference as well. “I suspect they do mo ghràidh.  There is an air of optimism about their glances.”

“Yes … I can feel it too.  There is a buzz about them, that has not been there before,” she said casting a smile at her partner. “I feel that they ken that we are to take Operations and Madeline’s place Sassenach, and that has made them … enthusiastic.”

Claire’s smile grew wider and Jamie could not help but reciprocate. They both knew in that instance that they had each other’s backs and the strength to manage whatever challenges they may face as leaders.

“You make me happy James Fraser, more than I can ever say.  We can do this.”

Claire was well attuned to her partner’s feelings and emotions and she knew that him hearing these words would resonate with Jamie.  Happiness was something they never thought that they would have together when in Section, but all that had changed now with the demise of Operations and Madeline. Now they could express their feelings openly, live their lives without restrictions and love deeply without fear or favour. Claire’s heart was pounding in her chest with just the thought of their happy ever after. When she looked at him, Jamie just gave her a look that made her toes curl. His face was beaming, while his blue eyes voiced the love he felt for her deep within his heart. He was happy too; it was written all over his face. In that one penetrating look he had acknowledged his feelings for her for all in Section to see.

His Sassenach had made him happier than he had ever been before and it registered in his loving gaze.  “As do ye mo chridhe. Together, we can do anything.” 

Claire was euphoric. Jamie’s words had touched that part in her heart that was his alone. Her face too was beaming, and she couldn’t deny how liberating it was to just be able to express her feelings for this wonderful man and how she didn’t care who saw her do it. Anyone observing them would see only two operatives in love and walking to their Destiny side by side.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

With eyes fixed ahead, their footsteps never faltered.  Together Jamie and Claire rounded the corner out of sight of the sharp and inquisitive glances of their operatives as they continued on towards his office to await the visit from his godfather Murtagh Fitzgibbons.  They glanced at each other with a knowing smile on their faces as to just what the operatives had been thinking.  They were astute enough to realise that the men and women of Section knew that something monumental was happening.  They could feel a new vibe abound and it had affected each operative as they watched them trapesed through the Common Area. 

Jamie sighed looking at the woman he loved more than anything. Claire was the only person who could ever make him believe he was human.  She was the woman who was, purely and simply, his life. Now they were on a new path of life together as Section One’s leaders, but also with the freedom of a contented personal life outside of Section.  Reaching out his hand Jamie captured Claire’s in his and raised it to his lips kissing the top of her hand reverently, before kissing her knuckles as well. 

“How do ye feel Sassenach?”

“Excited.  Nervous.  Happy.  What about you?”

“Aye … I ken what ye are feeling mo nighean donn.  It will be all new to us … but…”

“We will be fine Jamie,” Claire answered finishing his sentence.

“Aye … We will.”

Her eyes held his in awe of the man who was to be Section One’s new leader. She had confidence that he would take on this role like he did with everything he organized. He would give his all to keep everyone safe as they did their job.  He would be an exceptional leader and she was prouder than ever of him.  

Pulling Claire closer to his chest and lowering his head, Jamie kissed her soundly without a thought of anyone watching, or in fear of any surveillance observing their intimacy.

“I’m so verra proud of ye Sassenach.”

“Thank you, Jamie.”

Kissing her once again he uttered softly, “I love ye Claire.”

She ran her hand lightly down the side of his face. “And I you, James Fraser, with all my heart.”  Claire returned his kiss with another of her own caressing his bottom lip playfully.

They stayed that way for a few moments, just watching each other, feeling each other close, just being together.  Then smiling like two lovesick fools, they hurried to his office a little further along the corridor to wait for Murtagh to turn up.

As for Operations …

Soon after the Head of Centre and his brother Colum had left the White Room, Operations had been escorted back to his Containment cell to await his execution and to face his fate alone with no one in his corner for support or to say goodbye.

He could have been easily executed in the White Room whilst shackled in the torture chair with a single bullet to the head shot by Henry.  He could then have been left there until Housekeeping had unceremoniously removed his body just like any other terrorist who had suffered a similar fate. However, the Head of Centre had given Dougal his wish to die quickly, but he’d also given him a fitting ending because he had been the Head of Section.  Mr. Lambert’s verdict had in fact given Operations some dignity in death that he really didn’t deserve because of his atrocities.  He was able to stand and face his executioner rather than the hollow death he would have had in the White Room.

Now as he stood waiting for the final moment that would end his life, Dougal Mackenzie had to confront his own mortality and the fact that he would die alone with no witnesses except for his executioners, the Torture Twins, Henry and Elizabeth.  His second in command had deserted him, had played him for a fool, had never loved him, and even his own brother would not be in attendance to witness his demise.  He was totally alone. The bullet had been quick and accurate and even before Mr Lambert and his brother Colum had walked to the Perch, Housekeeping had already removed his body for burial.  Defiant to the end, Dougal’s last words before the bullet pierced his heart were in complete rebelliousness and indifference … Such is life.

Meanwhile …

Quentin Lambert and Colum Mackenzie left the White Room with a feeling of finality.  It was all over.  The reign of Operations and Madeline had finally come to an end, and with it came the beginning of a new direction for Section One.  They knew that they had the two best people to take control of the running of Section, two exemplary individuals who would restore the organization to what it was meant to be. They had great faith and confidence that James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp would elevate Section One to the ideals of why it was formed in the first place … protecting the innocent and maintaining world peace.  Section couldn’t be in better hands than with the two people who had been a part of this place from the grassroots up.  They had weathered the machinations and manipulations of their past leaders, but had still survived despite all the obstacles that had been thrown in their path.  Now they had a chance of making the changes long overdue for all.

The Heads of Centre and Oversight now made their way back to Operations’ office in the Perch where Letitia Chisholm was waiting for them to make arrangements for the dignified handover to Section’s new leadership of James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp. As they walked along their conversation was reflective about what had happened in the White Room with a belligerent and defiant Operations.

“Your brother was bitter and unrepentant to the end Colum.”

“His stoicism was a flaw of his personality and it is what probably helped him to face his sentence. I guess a modicum of sympathy for him is warranted although he didn’t deserve it from you or me Quentin. The irony is that he was blindsided by his second in command Madeline and no doubt he felt betrayed by the one person he thought he could trust implicitly.”

“His ego certainly would have suffered a blow.”

“No doubt about it.  That surely must have stung, but Madeline was a true narcissist and sociopath.  She loved no one but herself. Dougal would have bled tears with Madeline’s last stab into what was left of his cold black heart.”

“He was your brother Colum.  You are not concerned with the way his final judgement went? Are you?”

“Not at all Quentin.  Dougal knew the consequences of his actions would be severe and there really was no other recourse for him.  He was not repentant.  He was arrogant and resentful but I’m sure he would have faced his execution with the same stoicism he displayed in the White Room.  He had nothing more to live for, so death should have been a blessing for him.”

“Indeed.”

“Sadly, my brother realised that he was being played too late.  Not only was he blindsided by Madeline, she also left him to face his destiny alone when she had been beside him throughout their time as leaders.  She had been his confidant and sounding board, the one he turned to for support.   With no regard for his feelings whatsoever, she pulled the rug out from under his feet and he was left floundering in his thoughts of her betrayal. Hence, Dougal was bitter, arrogant and unremorseful to the end.”

“He did not disappoint in that regard.”

“My brother would never admit defeat and his defiance was a trade mark of his temperament honed from when he was but a boy. It is what made us so dissimilar.  It was also his weakness for he could not see that he was in the wrong.  He was blindsided not only by Madeline and his failure to read the room; he lost sight of what Section was about.  Rather he saw his position as one where he could further his own goals of domination and influence.  He was corrupted by his lust for power and once this happened there was no turning back.”  

“Indeed, Colum. That is why he had to be removed. However, finally, we have some closure for Section’s two villains.  Madeline, who took the easy way out, and your brother who I gave the death he wanted.”

Colum Mackenzie could only nod in agreement to the Head of Centre’s statement.  It gave him no joy that his brother had turned out the way he had, but he knew without a shadow of a doubt that their nephew, James Fraser would restore pride in an organization that had been demoralized by Dougal’s and Madeline’s leadership. With Claire Beauchamp by his side the future of Section One was in good hands.

In Jamie’s Office …

When Jamie and Claire entered the sanctuary of his office, they did so with a renewed liberty. Every time they had been in here before and they wanted to speak to each other without their every word being under surveillance from Operations and Madeline, Jamie would sit down behind his desk and begin the procedure he always had to do for privacy. He would have to deactivate the surveillance cameras and listening devices that would broadcast their every word and deed.  Now there was no need for any of that to occur.  They had the freedom to speak spontaneously without the fear of the consequences of their discussions or actions.

They noticed that outside his window, people were going on about their business after their exit from the Common Area.  Section One was still ticking over.  They still had missions pending and profiling to achieve, and duties to perform.  However, there was a renewed vigour as to the way the operatives were going about these obligations with no tension in the air. They systematically went about their responsibilities and seemed more relaxed and trouble free.  For the two of them though, tomorrow was a new day, and until such time as he and Claire took over leadership officially, Mr Lambert had control of Section One.  

Making his way to his desk Jamie sat on the edge then pulled Claire between his legs wrapping his arms around her waist.  Touching foreheads in a poignant moment of reflection they stood there silently saying nothing just relishing in the moment of clarity.  They both knew that soon, very soon his godfather would make an appearance and they needed this time to collect their thoughts about what they would say to him when he arrived. However, James Fraser couldn’t resist the temptation of his love in his arms and pulling her head down to his, he kissed her tenderly.

“I ken ye are excited that Murtagh is my godfather, Claire.”

“I cannot believe that he kept that secret to himself for so long, Jamie,” she replied placing kisses all over his face.

“We never suspected.”

“No … he had an uncanny way of keeping a watchful eye over us in his own inimitable way.”

Jamie stood and gathered her more closely to his body.  “Aye Sassenach.  He was a true chameleon. I canna believe that I did nae suspect.  He was good.  Verra good at keeping a watchful eye over us.”

She leaned her head against his chest as Jamie continued to place kisses along her jaw line and down her neck. “I … I guess he took great delight in doing so.”

“He is a canny bugger for sure Sassenach…”  Jamie replied against her lips gently taking her bottom lip between his and deepening the caress.

“Mmmm…”

Claire sighed as her hands tangled in the curls at the base of his neck. As the kiss became more passionate, she ran her fingers gently over his skull before gripping his curls in abandon as her lover proceeded to kiss her senseless. 

Breaking for air Jamie uttered a little breathlessly, “We have twenty minutes Sassenach.  Have ye collected yer thoughts as to what ye wish to ken from Murtagh?  …  Or shall we just continue what we are doing before he arrives?” he replied with a twinkle in his eyes.

“James Fraser!  You are the new leader of Section.  Do you think that would be appropriate behaviour for a leader?”

“It is … what … you and I … want it to be … mo ghràidh,” he replied smiling roguishly and interspersing kisses between his words.

Claire was lost to his actions and capitulated to everything he was doing. “Is this how it is going to be when we are in the Perch, James Fraser?”

He wriggled an eyebrow at her in mischievousness. “Of course, Claire Beauchamp … But only when it has gone dark.  We dinnae need all of Section to see me having my wicked way with ye.”

Claire laughed. “Je Suis Prest, Jamie. I am ready, more than ready to experience those activities in the Perch.”

Lost in this special moment she surrendered to his loving arms and sweet kisses. All thoughts of questions to ask Murtagh Fitzgibbons completely vanished from their minds as the two lovers relished their moment of passion in each other’s arms.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued Friday 23rd September

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 229

SYNOPSIS: Murtagh Fitzgibbons arrives at Jamie’s office to explain everything they wish to know of his subterfuge in regards to being his godfather.

Chapter 228 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

THANK YOU all for supporting my writing of this story for so long.  I sincerely appreciate your patronage. Thank you all so much. 👋

CHAPTER 229

Flushed from the intimate kisses they had shared in this private moment in his office, Jamie and Claire waited for his godfather to finally make an appearance.   No doubt Murtagh had been biting at the bit to explain all the reasons why he had been so secretive in his relationship with them, but all was forgiven now that they knew the truth of his actions.  Had they known that he was keeping a watchful eye over them and his Sassenach since her recruitment, then things may have been different.  But now that Jamie knew that Murtagh was indeed family, something in him that he had buried deep within his feelings rose to the surface.

Just who was his godfather, Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser?  Jamie thought long and hard on that question and came up with some thought provoking answers from his observations and dealings with him.

His first recollections of Murtagh were as his initial trainer.  He was excellent in that role having passed on his many survival skills honed during the Vietnam War.  From his connection with him in Section over the years, his godfather was the one who had accepted the role he played within the institution. Not only was he expert in all kinds of weaponry, Murtagh was Section One’s wise counsel, the one that Fergus and Claire turned to for sage advice.  His godfather understood the mechanics of the goings on at Section but had little regard for protocols and authority if it was repressive, which Madeline and Operations’ orders were on most occasions.  He was nonconformist and although cantankerous at times and recalcitrant at others, he was to be admired. Over the many years he had been incarcerated here, he had learned the art of survival and to not sweat the big things.  This caused him to be at loggerheads with Operations from time to time but Murtagh managed to hold his own nonetheless.

His godfather had been around the block a few times, hence Murtagh never shied away from speaking his own opposing views and he’d ruffled a few feathers in his time. He was an honourable man and a confidante to those he loved. He was also fiercely protective of those he cared about, and if they were harmed, he took revenge.  Murtagh Fitzgibbons didn’t need words to convey the powerful and endearing presence of his persona in Section. His company was enough for operatives to know that he was a man of principles. As a father figure within Section, he could appease their every concern and set them on a way to how to live within the restraints of Section One.

He helped Claire in her melancholy several times with humour and wit. Murtagh may have been seen as a bit of a larrikin, but he was anything but.  His loyalties were to the people he loved, his Sassenach and himself, his fiancée Bóinne and his buddy Fergus Claudel. His godfather had a huge big heart, a kind and strong personality, and a devoted loyalty to those close to him.  After their gruesome, heartbreaking treatment at the hands of the Rising Dragons at the monastery, Murtagh’s depth of wisdom and perception was in recognizing that someone would have to step into the dark with his Sugar in order to save her, and she him. However much he may have wanted to help him and Claire recover from their ordeal, he did everything in his power to support them in their recovery, keeping a watchful eye from a distance.

His quiet intelligence was understated but highly evident with his shrewd assessment of Dougal and Madeline’s motives, to his creative plans to bucking the system to help his loved ones. Murtagh took great joy in his laidback attitude that had helped him survive for so long in Section.  His hovering from a distance over him and his Sassenach was done out of his love and allegiance to them. One of his most endearing and defining traits was his straightforwardness. Murtagh Fitzgibbons called a spade a spade and although Operations didn’t appreciate his forthrightness, he tolerated him due to this expertise in keeping all operatives safe on missions.  He was fair and open-minded. He judged Claire by her actions and words, same as he did anyone else and he instinctively knew immediately that his Sugar was the perfect partner for his godson. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Having assessed his godfather’s personality traits, James Fraser thought back to the very beginning of when he first came into Section One.

Everyone in Section, including himself, was a ghost … they were lost to the outside world and all communication was severed to their past life.  They were all dead to their relatives, buried in the “alternate cemetery” that was Section One … the organization that was deep within the bowels of the earth.  The symbolism of a grave and being underground was apt, given that those were but memories long passed.  Life in the real world went on without him and he was lost to the life he once knew. He, like other recruits had been in jail, but the thing he noticed that was similar to being incarcerated before his “death” was that Section One was able to gain complete compliance from its recruits through a highly centralized governance and surveillance system that monitored all operatives. Hence, Madeline and Operations were able to rule and control its affiliates so comprehensively through the sowing of distrust and manipulation among its members. Ruling by fear of cancellation was always a deterrent, so much so, that Section became worse than the life they had in prison before being recruited.  Section One was a jail, within a jail where no one was free to leave. But he cared naught for freedom.  He was resolved to live this new life under the restraints of Section One’s leaders. 

This new institution with a state-of-the-art security system and communications, was a secret world beyond anything he had ever imagined. It was a state in a state. This secret anti-terrorist government organization recruited society's misfits and trained them to become international assassins. This was the way recruitment to Section One was undertaken.  It was the way he himself had been recruited and then trained by his then unknown godfather Murtagh Fitzgibbons.  Being left-handed the older operative had always warned him to watch his right side, and he had done so when he had been sent on his first mission to Uzbekistan.  Murtagh had gone on that mission as well, and he had been made aware of this weakness to his right-hand side when Murtagh had saved him from an unforeseen attack.   From that day on he was unaware that the man had kept a watchful eye on him from afar, once he had completed his training. He never knew how proud Murtagh was of him as to how he had risen through the ranks so quickly, but there was always an air of admiration whenever Murtagh would look at him that often made him take stock.  He had never made any association with his behaviour, other than he was his original trainer and he had put it down to that.  Now he knew better.   

He had always had admiration for the munitions’ expert never realizing that there was a connection between the two of them.  He remembered many an occasion when Murtagh had designed special equipment for him when he was to go on a particularly difficult mission.  Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser was the "Q" of Section One. He always had his safety in mind and nothing was too much trouble for the armory expert to organize for him.  He was also the keeper of corporate knowledge and was the oldest surviving operative in Section, head of Munitions, responsible for creating new and necessary gadgets, tools and weapons for their operatives to use on various missions. Murtagh also knew absolutely everything about everyone that was, or had ever been, connected to Section One.

Then there were the times Murtagh had secretly approached him with a concern regarding Claire.  This happened when she was to go on a deep undercover with Madame Cheung and again when transferred to the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau looking for the mole passing on intel to the Rising Dragons.  Both of these missions were dangerous, especially because Madeline profiled them knowing that anything deep undercover would take Claire out of the picture long term, thus foiling the relationship between the two of them.  Not only that but these missions often put her in jeopardy. However, he was always one step ahead of them, and Murtagh knew that he would move heaven and earth to somehow come up with an alternate plan.  He would modify Claire’s profile and initiate a move where he would somehow place himself in the mission to protect her if needs be. Thankfully Murtagh had contacted him as to his Sassenach’s state of mind when she’d left for Hong Kong, although he had not told him why she was feeling this way.

He also remembered the time Murtagh had warned him that Operations and Madeline had ordered Fergus Claudel to sweep his panel after the mission to check if he had in anyway changed Claire’s profile scenario.  On that occasion Murtagh had followed him to the deserted area not under surveillance from Section One’s watchers. As he’d passed by, he had leaned out his hand and dragged his godfather into the alcove somewhat surprised at who was following him.  Murtagh had understood his look when he had said that Fergus would find nothing.  It was then that the older operative had offered to help in any way that he could.  His concern that time seemed genial, but now he realised that there was an underlying meaning to his words.  Murtagh was once again looking out for him.

“I’ll help … You could redirect the panels to me … I’ll look into it. They won’t find anything!” his godfather had intonated helpfully. 

Then there were other times that Murtagh Fitzgibbons had been concerned for his and Claire’s safety on the mission but he’d told him that everything was in control and not to worry. As her partner, he had her back. His reply telling him to go had only reassured him that she would be fine which only empathised what Murtagh knew to be true where her safety was concerned. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As Jamie recalled his association and connection with his godfather, his Sassenach was doing the same.  It was as if Claire had ESP.  She could tell by Jamie’s expression that he was thinking back to when he originally came into Section and where he first came in contact with his godfather Murtagh Fitzgibbons.  Claire too recalled those times long past.  

Jamie’s and her recruitment to Section One had been through their “faked deaths” to the outside world, and like all the other recruits, they had entered Section against their wills. No one had a past; for your past was repressed in Section. Despite reiterating that she was an innocent, no one had listened to her pleas and they fell on deaf ears. She was even shown a picture of her own grave … “row eight, plot thirty…” thus signifying to her that there was no escape from the life she would now lead. Jamie was her mentor and trainer who’d trained her to become a high performing operative, who lived and killed for today…there was no past, or after life. Despite her protests she became more and more competent under his tutelage and killed only when utterly necessary.  She remembered her first kill and it was to protect Jamie himself when he was blindsided by an assassin. That initial kill had affected her deeply as it went against everything that she held important in maintaining her sanity, but when the life of her partner was threatened, she didn’t think twice to save him.

Life was indeed a hellhole under Madeline and Operations’ leadership, and if it had not been for the friendship of Murtagh Fitzgibbons, she didn’t know how she would have been able to cope with all the manipulations that she was forced to face. Murtagh was her loyal friend and confidante, even participating in a cover-up to hide the ongoing romantic status of her and Jamie.  He was her wise counsel and had given her sagacious advice when she was down. Her transfer to the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau had been a worry for she had mentioned it to him about her apprehension at going undercover yet again. Madeline and Operations always took any opportunity to place her as far away from Jamie as possible, and the Rising Dragons missions was the perfect chance to do so.  She remembered the mood she was in when she’d said to her friend … “Murtagh, it's just this place. It just gets to me sometimes, that's all."

She was disillusioned with so much but most of all this place that was Section One.  Thinking back, it was little wonder that she felt this way, for Madeline and Operations had demanded much of her in regards to the Rising Dragons’ triad. Their leaders had sent Jamie away from Section for a particularly difficult mission in the hope that they could once again place her as far away from him as possible.  Had it not been for Murtagh alerting Jamie to her despondency he would never have known.  Murtagh had sent word to him about her kidnapping and he had escalated the Mission in Senegal, in order to return early to Section to ask for the fifteen days owing to him in order to determine her location. What had then resulted in him finding her at the monastery was his capture too, his torture and their death sentence together in the gas chamber which had been nothing but a nightmare.  Little did they know at the time but Murtagh had volunteered to rescue them and his diligence and doggedness when they returned to Section was more than that of a friend.  Murtagh loved them both and he had done everything in his power to see that they both recovered from that ordeal.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Looking back on this now in reflection it was difficult to come to terms with how they all survived everything that they had endured.

“Jamie?”

“Aye Sassenach.”

Her eyes were sparkling in genuine devotion. She looked at him and asked, “What is the one thing you wish to know from Murtagh when he arrives?”

Jamie pondered for a while and Claire watched as the expressions crossed his face as he tried to pinpoint one particular thing that was a necessity to ask him. “I cannae say Claire.  But I am intrigued as to how he managed to remain silent in the fact that he was my godfather for all these years.”

“Would it have changed you if you had known?”

Claire saw the deep wellspring of emotion that lay in his eyes as she asked this question.  He was conflicted with his thoughts as to how he felt. Looking at him intensely she could see the wheels turning over in his mind not knowing what he was grappling with.

"Jamie?" she uttered softly squeezing his hand in hers with reassurance that there was no right or wrong answer, so he could reply without any judgement.

“I really dinnae ken … Murtagh may have been able to help me, but I ken that I would probably have resisted his efforts especially before ye came into Section. I was at my darkest place then Sassenach.  I never cared if I lived or died on a mission. I had closed off any part of me that had feelings. I doubt even Murtagh could have lifted me out of my malaise at that time.  I was robotic in my mannerisms, never letting anyone see what was deep within my soul … that is until ye came to lift that darkness from me. It was not until I fell in love with ye that the light within me began to shine through.” 

“I think that was a lost opportunity, Jamie.  Murtagh gives wise guidance.  He sees things that others think are insignificant but he sees them as important.  He has helped me get my mojo back on several occasions with his advice and good humour. Perhaps he may have been able to make life a little more tolerable for you had you been open and ready to take his advice.”

Jamie squelched the thoughts that were struggling to come to the surface. He took a moment before he replied, “I too may have needed his counsel to guide me through the minefield that was Section One, but as I said I neither cared if I lived or died in this place Sassenach.  I was in a bad headspace and had locked myself away from everyone who may have pulled me up by the bootstraps.  In fact, I didnae want to be saved.  I was happy just surviving.”

“Oh, my darling Jamie. I’m sure that Murtagh sees what I see in you and that he loves you as much as I.  You and I have been given a second chance in so many things that today our life is blessed beyond measure.  You are my soulmate, my anam cara my one true love.  I know that your godfather would take great joy in knowing that you are thoroughly loved and have now reached your true potential.  He will be just so proud of you, my love.”

Jamie gazed at her in pure adoration. He cupped her cheek in his palm.  “Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp … ye are the most remarkable woman I have ever kent.  I love ye beyond all reason and thought. You are my heart’s desire.  Ye make my life complete.  You are my happiness. I need nothing else.  We’re…"

"We’re together," Claire spoke, as she finished his words for him.

"Aye Sassenach. Together. Forever." Jamie affirmed wrapping his arms around his love and stroking her cheek with his thumb as he kissed her tenderly on the lips.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

That is how Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser found them as he entered Jamie’s office. When no one answered after rapping on the door, Jamie’s godfather took the liberty of letting himself in before closing the door behind him.  Seeing his godson in a loving embrace with his Sugar, Murtagh couldn’t contain the grin that graced his lips. Clearing his throat with a gruff noise, the two people broke from their kiss and both stared at the person who had made that interrupting sound.   What Jamie and Claire found was an extremely happy Murtagh Fitzgibbons grinning like a Cheshire cat at the two of them.

“Now! Now! … We can’t be having any romantic shenanigans taking place in Section.  I believe it is frowned upon by the hierarchy,” he teased at seeing them grin at him as well at his words.

“Fitzgibbons… you old devil … I must inform ye that the new hierarchy deem it to be a necessary communication strategy hence forth.”

Murtagh’s reply was laced with mirth and a deep chuckle, “Well in that case, James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser … If you must … Carry on … Don’t stop on my behalf.”

Laughing, Claire broke away from Jamie’s arms and rushed into those of her best friend.  She gave him a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek at seeing him finally here for her Jamie to get the answers he needed.  “Oh Murtagh … I can’t tell you how absolutely wonderful it was to hear that you were Jamie’s godfather.  I could think of no better person to have kept a watchful eye over him … and me … for so long.”

Murtagh looked his godson in the eye and raising a bushy eyebrow stated, “No doubt you have questions Jamie.” With his arm still around Claire’s waist, he reciprocated her hug before continuing, “I will answer as best I can.” 

“Thank ye Murtagh. I guess my only question is … Why the silence?  Why did ye not let me ken ye were my godfather?”

“When you were a week old, I knelt at your mother’s feet and swore an oath to her that I would guard your back when you became a man and needed service.  I promised your Da that I would always keep an eye out for you, but it wasn’t until you came into Section that I was able to fulfil that promise.  Once I knew you were the new recruit, I put my hand up to be your trainer.”

“I thank ye for that. Ye certainly skilled me in all proficiencies Murtagh that would keep me alive on missions despite my laissez-faire attitude to not caring if I lived or died. It was because of yer training that I was able to perform as competently as I did. I guess underneath my indifference, subconsciously I did want to live.  Then once Claire came into Section, I finally had a reason to.”

“Forgive me Jamie … but oh, how I wanted to tell you that I was your godfather on many an occasion, but there were several explanations why I could not. The main reason was that it was because of Madeline and Operations.”

Jamie and Claire sighed swallowing a breath at hearing that once again it was Section’s leaders who were involved in his secrecy.  They both understood exactly where he was coming from, but they let him continue without saying anything.

“Once I found out your connection to Dougal, had he known that I had been entrusted to keep an eye on you from afar, it could have placed immeasurable pressure on him to place me in abeyance. By keeping silent he was none the wiser and I could complete my vow made to your mother and father that I would protect you as best I could.”

“Please continue.”

“Over the years you became the most prolific operative Section had ever known.  You were savvy, a brilliant tactician, extremely competent and skilful in the field and more importantly you were trusted by those you led.  Once you reached your full potential, there was no stopping you.  People looked up to you, they admired your charisma and expertise, as well as your strength of character.  There was an inherent respect, and a strongly felt esteem that everyone had for you amongst your peers.”

“Thank ye, Murtagh.  Both Claire and I ken that we will be relying on those verra people in Section when we take over the leadership.”

“They will all be there for you; I can guarantee that. Operatives knew, and Madeline and Operations certainly knew of your potential but they couldn’t acknowledge it.  To do so would showcase their imperfections and their worry that you had indeed surpassed them in all areas that would make you leader material.  You endangered their position and with Claire by your side you were a formidable team and a huge threat. I could but keep a watchful eye over the two of you without showing my hand.  At that stage you didn’t need a wingman… you had one in your partner.  I could be behind the scenes doing my small part on keeping you and my Sugar safe.”

“We did need you though Murtagh on several occasions over the Rising Dragons’ missions,” Claire added with respect. “You were instrumental in saving us from the monastery as well as your protectiveness of us both when we returned to Section One.”

“And to tell you the truth Claire, I relished the opportunity to do so. But I was so worried about the both of you and I just needed to make sure that you would be rescued.  I volunteered for the retrieval mission like I had done to be your trainer, Jamie. I had to make sure that I was at the forefront to rescue the both of you.  Had you or my Sugar died on that mission I could not have lived with myself knowing that I didn’t do everything in my power to protect you.”

“Murtagh … Yer selfless attitude only reiterates the obvious attachment ye had with us both. I wish I had known, but I am beholden to ye for all ye have done in yer indominable way.  It only proved how much ye did indeed care for my, and my Claire’s welfare.”

“There have been many times that this lovable rogue has been my rock too Jamie.”

“I ken that, Claire, and now we ken why my godfather did what he did.”

“You may think you’re the only one who loves Jamie … but you are not, Claire. He’s a son to me … as you are a daughter. I love you equally.  I would gladly give my life for you both.”

“Thank you for saying that, Murtagh, for you must know that Jamie and I love you as well.”

“There have been so many important occasions, particularly over the Rising Dragons’ missions, Murtagh, when ye had been instrumental in yer unwavering support and assistance.  The retrieval mission was a crucial one. Although I’d been completely cut off from Section One by orders from Operations, there were ways and means around his directive. Ye certainly made sure that Section's leaders didn't find out ye were helping me in any way when I was on my rescue mission to find Claire, and again with the reversing of the Gelman procedure. I particularly relished our time spent together in Macau.”

Murtagh then looked at his godson with a huge smirk on his face.  “Do you remember me saying to look after my Sugar or else I would have to come after you?”

“Aye.  I do.  And ye did … and I am verra grateful ye were on our team.” Jamie replied with a wee smirk of his own.

“Well, it was a privilege fighting and working alongside you James Fraser,” Murtagh replied proudly but unassumingly.

“Aye, indeed. Then there are the innumerable incidental episodes when myself and Claire really needed ye and you always came through for us.  Ye were our one constant in Section … the one who held our secret locations close to yer chest. Ye were the one who was able to contact us when we were not to be found unless completely necessary.  We trusted ye implicitly and that trust was never betrayed.  I ken now why that was so.”

“Murtagh, you big teddy bear,” Claire stated in affection recalling those times Jamie had mentioned. “You are not necessarily the wisest at times due to your escapades in Section behind Madeline and Operations’ backs, but you were certainly the smartest at out manoeuvring them on these occasions.”

“Thank you, Sugar,” he replied with a wink.  

Claire couldn’t help but grin at the man she adored letting him know her thoughts as to what she knew was the reason behind his godfather’s loyalty. “It was love, my Jamie.  Love in Murtagh’s heart for you and me. He did all of these things to be by your side ready to stand with you. We now know why he was so loyal. Love is the constant connection in all of these happenings over time. It is the thread that weaves its way through all of those examples you mentioned.” 

"aye. 'Tis. Sassenach."

“Love forces a person to choose, Jamie. You do things you’d never imagine you could do before. That is why together our love has enabled us to make the most life-altering decision we have ever made. Our love will sustain us in Section and personally, and by being surrounded by those we love, we can achieve anything.”

Jamie couldn’t help but kiss this most adorable woman who had changed him so completely with her love. On the other hand, Claire knew that her man was fortunate to have so many people now in his life with such deep feelings for him.

“Just remember too, my love, despite Murtagh not telling you he was your godfather; he could not have kept a better or closer eye on you if he had told you who he was.”

“Indeed, Sassenach … but now that we do ken …”

Claire once again knew what Jamie was going to reply but she did it for him. “… Your godfather will be by our side as we start this new and challenging role as Section’s new leaders.”  

“Aye … that he will,” Jamie replied happily kissing her once more in abandon.

Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser could only grin from ear to ear as he listened to their exchange and witnessed their deep abiding love for one another.  Everything was right in the world for their bond had deepened significantly now Claire and especially his godson understood.  He was more than pleased, he was elated.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued Friday 30th September

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 218

SYNOPSIS: James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp make their way back to Section as ordered.  When they arrive, their reception from fellow operatives is an interesting one of anticipation of what is going to happen now.

 Chapter 217  and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

THANK YOU all for your continued support of this story.  I am in the process of writing the concluding chapters to this larger-than-life story, and I am so grateful to all who have been on this rollercoaster ride as I have written Covert Operations.  Thank you all so much for staying the course. 👋

CHAPTER 218

At some time, this morning, James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp would have returned to Section One, however, they were awoken by an interruption they were never expecting heralding a change to their plans.

For Claire, the call to come in to Section was déjà vu all over again. 

The means of communicating their return to Section this morning was very different from all those months ago when Jamie’s call had woken Claire from the wonderful erotic dream she was having about him. On that morning she’d been called in because of a new mission profile which turned out to be about the Rising Dragons triad. That first day she was alone, but much had happened over the weeks and months since that early morning call.  Claire and Jamie were together now, and the call to come in had seen them in the throes of passion only to be interrupted by their friend Murtagh Fitzgibbons’ incessant banging on their door.

In the past Claire knew that any day away from the Section and all the manipulations of Madeline and Operations, and the constant surveillance of her and Jamie was a good day. But all that had changed.  This call to come in was urgent, as things were afoot at Section One since their leaders had been placed under house arrest.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

All those months ago she had no interest in being called in, but yet she had hoped it would be Jamie when her cell phone’s ring disturbed her dream of a day off spent in the company of the man who made her heart flutter. At the time of Jamie’s call, she never knew where those orders would take her, or more to the point she didn't care to think about where they would lead. But the Rising Dragons’ missions had changed everything for Claire and especially her relationship with James Fraser.  They had experienced extreme scenarios of ups and downs of perilous missions, profiles that would test their resolve but best of all, they had strengthened their bond and deepened their love for one another against all odds. Claire remembered the anticipation of hearing Jamie’s husky, sexy Scottish accent over the phone as it had lifted her spirits, but as usual the succinct message was not the one she had hoped to hear. She had nearly grunted “Hello” into the phone fearing that the next thing she'd hear would be the seductive sounds rolling off Jamie’s lips asking her to spend the day with him. But that is not what had happened.

Jamie’s anticipated call had filled her with such longing on that morning, however the sound of her code name … “Jo-se-phine” … had been all that he’d said. It was enough. His call into Section One was all that was needed to ruin her mood, but who would have forecast that that call would set in motion the most extraordinary chain of events that had changed her relationship with Jamie. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The call had come this morning too … the order to return to Section ASAP. They were interrupted during their passionate encounter as the pounding on the door had been relentless. When Murtagh Fitzgibbons had burst through the door apologizing profusely for the interruption, Claire knew then why he was there. After he had been shown the door, Jamie returned to the bed, kissed her on the forehead before they both broke into laughter at what had just happened. He had then leaned over placing a good morning kiss to her waiting lips, while his words brushed her mouth with a warm breath that sent shivers down her spine. “Sassenach?” “Hmmm?” He needed no words to explain what they had to do; it was written all over his face.

“We know the drill … we’ve been called in earlier than we expected.  It’s time to get up my love. However much I would love to join you again in bed, reluctantly we have to go in.” Claire Beauchamp was filled with both trepidation that weighed heavily on her heart and excitement too for a new beginning.  Up until this moment, Section One was the place where you were never free … free to have some semblance of a normal life. However, the difference between the call this morning, and her call months ago, was that they had received it together.  If she believed in Fate … in déjà vu … then the call this morning would be life altering for both of them this time.

Today was a time for turning the corner and leaving behind the past of orders from their soulless, hateful, manipulating leaders. They would descend deep beneath the earth to where those leaders were under cross examination about the way they had run Section, their manipulations of all operatives who were under their rule, and most importantly how Operations and Madeline had time and again tried to thwart the relationship bond between them. Today, their uncles Mr. Lambert and Colum Mackenzie would not only be expecting them to give evidence, but more importantly they would be expecting an answer from the two of them as to the decision they had been asked to make.

Little did Claire Beauchamp and James Fraser know that Murtagh’s intrusive banging this morning would be the beginning of a new future for Section One under new leadership, for today was the day that would change their lives and their destiny. 

  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Once dressed they hastily made their way back to Section One along their usual route. They had travelled this way on so many occasions over the years, that Jamie’s Mercedes may as well have been on auto pilot.

Their returns to Section had always been on the spectrum from highs to lows. Each time they returned to this hell hole they inhabited, Jamie and Claire were immediately made aware that they belonged to Section One again. They had no freedom and their lives were governed by their manipulative leaders.  Returning from a mission, a briefing to tell of their next terrorist target, a summons from their leaders about a mission debrief, or returning from downtime were the norm.  Nevertheless, every time they returned their emotions ran the gauntlet.  Sometimes they returned in fear knowing that Madeline and Operations would be scrutinizing their every move.  Sometimes it was with reluctance after a particular romantic time together when they had to face the reality of their lives and once again be under surveillance.  On those occasions, they had needed to hide any emotional attachment they had nurtured on their downtime. Nevertheless, Jamie always reassured her of their unflinching, invincible connection and that come what may, they each had the other’s back.

But most times when they were ordered back to Section One, it was for a new mission profile. Even then, they never knew what Madeline and Operations had profiled for them.  They never knew if their leaders had devised some contrived scheme that would test their determination and relationship in order to separate them, or place Claire in peril.  It could be a deep cover mission, like with Madame Cheung, or a calculated abeyance mission for Claire, that Jamie would have to recalibrate in order to save her from the death wish that Madeline and Operations had covertly planned for her demise.  

However, this time James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp had been recalled to Section to face none of these scenarios.  They had been asked to return for Madeline and Operations were under house arrest.  The two leaders had been involved in an inquisition by the Head of Centre and Colum Mackenzie that would not bode well for them.  No doubt all their past discretions, manipulations, management of Section operatives and any underhand machinations they had been involved in, planned and carried out, would be under intense scrutiny. Hence, Jamie and Claire both knew that their testimony would have powerful credence when they described their relationship with Section’s leaders. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Finally arriving at their destination, James Fraser drove his car into the underground parking lot reserved for Section personnel, and parked the Mercedes in his designated parking spot.  Alighting from his vehicle, Jamie and Claire glanced at one another before they made their way towards the elevators. They looked very much like a couple in sync and with the aura of authority of two people who were now in charge. On reaching the elevators that would take them into the bowels of Section, Jamie punched in the secret code and they waited until the steel doors opened.

“Ready Sassenach?”  he asked taking Claire’s hand in his and entwining their fingers.

“Je Suis Prest” she replied looking at him with a confident smile.

Raising Claire’s hand to his lips, Jamie smiled too and tenderly kissed her knuckles.  “Je Suis Prest,” he repeated, this mantra echoing their resolve and preparedness for whatever lay ahead.    

When the metal doors opened to reveal an empty compartment, they entered with stoic determination.  The doors slid together and quietly closed, then the elevator swiftly descended into the depths of the earth. Jamie and Claire had taken this journey so many times in the past that it was a routine occurrence. Today however, it felt very different. They stood quietly side-by-side contemplating what Fate may deal them when they eventually entered Section One.  With eyes fixated on the doors of the elevator they descended deeper and deeper into the secret world of Section One. Beside her, Claire could feel the strength, reassurance and the warmth of Jamie’s body as he placed his arm behind her and leisurely rubbed his hand over her back. Both were lost in their thoughts.

What would they find? Would Section feel different because Madeline and Operations were detained?  What might the atmosphere be like when they entered?  What would be the reaction of the other Section operatives?  Would they feel the eyes of Section on them?  Or would people treat them no differently?  Would there be anticipation that something was going to happen?  Would their demeanour suggest that something was afoot that might change the way things happened in Section? Or would it be just like every other time they entered together?  Respect, admiration and awe for Section One’s two best operatives?

As the elevator neared its exit point, the two solitary figures stood united as one in their signature Section mannerisms once more.  Jamie gently squeezed Claire’s fingers in assurance that whatever they would face this morning would be doable. United and together they would face whatever may come. After their discussions with their uncles, they both knew that whatever happened today would be monumental to their lives going forward. They looked at one another knowing that they had each other, and they had each other’s back. 

In the past, Section One had often got the better of Claire emotionally, but not any longer. With Jamie by her side, she felt invincible.  They were a tight unit, one that was highly respected and well-regarded, not only singularly but as partners in crime.  Jamie gave her strength, resilience and courage, while together they were an unstoppable duo.  Claire breathed deeply as the elevator came to a stop, the doors opened and the two operatives exited with an unyielding tenacity as to how they would proceed.  This time there would be no going back for they were ready for whatever they would face when they gave evidence against Madeline and Operations.

Together they had weathered the stormy ups and downs of life in Section, but things were going to be different from here on in.  It was their destiny that they would rule Section one day and take it in a new direction. Mr Lambert and Colum Mackenzie had asked them to make a decision and together she and Jamie had done so. Their supreme superiors had placed their unwavering trust in them to return Section to what it was intended to be, and not the place of horrors that it was under Madeline and Operations’ leadership.  Together she and Jamie would rule with compassion, integrity, fairmindedness and collaboration. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Passing along the empty corridors of Van Access, James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp entered into the hub of Section One focused on the Section and its needs, as well as what may lay ahead when they came face to face with Madeline and Operations. They knew what they would be asked to do … tell their truth and they were prepared for the confrontation that their leaders may refute their version of that truth.  Nevertheless, they had right on their side and there was no denying that their leaders had manipulated both of them to keep them apart and to keep them under the thumb. 

They briefly looked at each other as they headed further into Section One, their footfalls echoing with each step they took. When in Section, James Fraser always displayed his enigmatic demeanour.  He was Section’s superlative Level 5 operative and his bearing demonstrated this trait, while his determined gait indicated that he was in total control. His eyes gave nothing away of his state of mind about anything or anyone for that matter when he was in Section, but Claire knew only too well.  Jamie was a man on a mission, fiercely determined to do exactly what he had to do.

She was well aware that once they reached the Committee Room, things could become very heated between their leaders with what they had to say. Claire was cognizant that Operations and Madeline would vehemently deny their accusations, but they really had nowhere to hide.  Their treatment of her and Jamie had been abominable.   It was common knowledge that their leaders’ relationship towards them was anything but harmonious, and more times than not, it was antagonistic, conflicted and manipulative.   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The rhythmical thumping of Claire’s heartbeats was in unison with her partner’s self-assured footsteps as they made their way towards the Common Room. Walking beside her incredible partner, made her feel confident and ready to face the powers that be in the Committee Room and whatever may transpire with assurance. All operatives on duty this morning witnessing their return, would only see Section’s two best operatives on a mission with a purpose, and one they were eager to know the outcome of.

Walking side by side in synchronized steps, the confident figures of James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp neared the Common Area.  Jamie was much admired, as too was she, and Section was abuzz with the news that they had finally arrived. All morning Operations and Madeline had been in the Committee Room being questioned about their leadership of Section, and the operatives knew that with Jamie and Claire’s arrival, the intensity of the situation had just gone up a notch or two.

Simultaneously, they too noticed many an operative’s eyes follow their approach and cast a sneaky glance their way at the two of them. Although the operatives gave the impression that they were still going about their duties as if nothing had happened, Jamie and Claire observed that they were clandestinely talking to each other in twos and threes. It seemed to be that they were gossiping, yet it was understandable, as so much had happened in Section over the last 24 to 48 hours, that it was hard to make sense of everything. Ever since these last couple of days with everything that had happened to Madeline and Operations, it was only natural that Section’s operatives would be curious to know of their leaders’ fate, and what was going to happen in the future.  The murmuring was certainly palatable for there was an air of expectancy amongst those working in and around the Common Area.

Without attracting attention, Claire glanced around once more at the operatives as they walked towards the exit. Yesterday, it was evident that the news of Madeline and Dougal’s in-house arrest had gone through Section like wildfire and had only escalated now that Mr. Lambert and the Head of Oversight were interviewing them. Jamie and Claire felt the intense atmosphere in the air, so thick you could cut it with a knife. Eyes continued to follow their every step then quickly glanced away if noticed, to continue whatever they were supposed to be doing. James Fraser was totally aware of the interest in their return, but as usual gave nothing away to those observing them as they passed by. Their fellow operatives were interested in watching them. It was not the same as their superiors glaring at them from the Perch like when they returned from the Rising Dragons’ mission some time ago.  Rather it was the eyes on their backs of interested individuals who knew that they were watching history unfold.  Today they knew for certain that there would be changes that would impact on how things were done in Section One … changes that would only be for the better.

“People are looking at us Jamie.” “I ken Sassenach.” “Do you think they know why we have been called in?” “They suspect … but they ken nothing at the moment.   But neither do we,” was his veiled answer. “We ken not what we may be asked in the Committee Room Claire, but I suspect it will be about yer Gelman procedure, and me finding Letitia in the Cryogenics Lab.”

“As I stated this morning … Je Suis Prest Jamie. I am ready, more than ready to explain what Madeline did.”

“I could never forgive her for what she and Operations did to ye mo ghràidh.  I thought I had nearly lost you so many times.”

“You will never lose me Jamie. Not ever again,” she replied with conviction.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As they passed through the Common Area, Jamie and Claire saw that Fergus Claudel, and his assistant Marsali MacKimmie had also stopped what they were doing and had looked over their way.  Fergus seemed as pleased as punch, and no doubt Murtagh Fitzgibbons had relayed to his buddy what had happened earlier at Claire’s apartment when he had tried to rouse them with the order to return to Section immediately. Fergus nodded at them, then he and Marsali returned to whatever they were doing. 

Their eyes also happened to see that Murtagh Fitzgibbons was now at his station talking to his fiancée Bóinne Rivière.  When the older operative heard the buzz from the Common Area he looked up. Jamie and Claire noticed a huge wizened grin plastered on his face from ear to ear when he saw who it was causing the commotion. Everyone knew that James Fraser was the heir apparent to lead Section one day, and the fact that Madeline and Operations were at this very moment being grilled in the Committee Room with the Head of Centre no less, and the Head of Oversight too, was an indication that there was most likely a transition of power and command about to occur.  Murtagh couldn’t hide his joy at seeing the two operatives return, knowing that he just may be seeing the new leader of Section and his second in command. 

Although Jamie and Claire tried to hide their amusement at his reaction they couldn’t, and a small wry grin appeared on the corner of their mouths.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Whatever was to happen in the Committee Room shortly, Jamie suspected it would be decidedly more than he was telling Claire.

There were mission profiles that had been put in place to do away with his Sassenach, by Operations and Madeline, prior to the Rising Dragons’ mission that were heinous and often placed her in jeopardy.  He had kept this information from his love, but had quietly gone behind their leaders’ backs to change the profile outlines and had done everything in his power to always keep her safe. He knew that they were not happy with his interference with changing Claire’s mission profiles where they had placed her in danger. No doubt some of their plotting against Claire would be raised in questioning, but they would only reiterate the lengths that Madeline and Operations had gone to, to see that Claire Beauchamp would not return to Section One alive from these missions.

Colum Mackenzie had set this inquisition in motion with his compiled dossiers on Section’s leaders.  He was the person who had single handedly set the cat among the pigeons, and because of it, Madeline and Operations now had to pay the piper.  It would be a high cost that they would have to pay for all they had done over the years. No doubt, Mr. Lambert was unaware that hostilities had existed between the three adversaries for some time. They had all tolerated each other over the years, but the suspicions between Madeline and Dougal on one hand and Colum on the other, had caused a large chasm that widened with each impromptu visit from the Head of Oversight. There was no love lost between them whatsoever.

Most times any encounter between the leaders resulted in a stalemate, but this time it seemed that Colum Mackenzie may just have checkmated Madeline and Operations at their own game. His first-hand evidence was irrefutable and undoubtedly overwhelming. Whatever else Colum had uncovered about his brother and Madeline would certainly be something that they had thought would never surface.  Section’s leaders had always covered their bases.  Everything was confidential, while files were encrypted and classified with access only for their eyes only. They had ruled Section One like dictators with their supreme discipline and iron will but all of this had come crumbling down around their ears. No doubt the evidence already presented had attested to these facts.  

Whatever the Head of Oversight had collated on Section’s leaders would be comprehensive and thorough, and because of this evidence, Madeline and Operations would have their backs to the wall. His and Claire’s testimony this morning just may explain the why behind what they did to his beautiful Sassenach, and also what prompted their hostility to her, to him and to them as a couple that had led to the things that they did to the both of them over the years.   Regarding the other matter about their decision that had been discussed with Colum and Mr. Lambert, he knew it was highly probable that the two men definitely hoped their negotiations with them would bear fruit.  Their ultimate plan involved Claire and himself to take over the leadership of Section One and the future direction of the organization. Perhaps at the conclusion of this inquiry their end game would be revealed, and then he and Claire would know all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Until James Fraser knew more of what they would face in the Committee Room, he could not elaborate as to what he suspected had been in motion for some time. However, it was evident by Claire’s next probing question that she too knew what might unfold today. Staring at Jamie closely, she asked, “So what will happen to Madeline and Operations? Will they be cancelled?” “It's too early to say. Mr. Lambert no doubt will make that decision Claire.” When she looked at him, Jamie just gave her a look, which registered his inner thoughts. His eyes were the windows to his soul and although his face was stoic, his eyes expressed volumes. In that instantaneous one look, Claire Beauchamp had seen deep into them for Jamie had let his guard down for her. It was only a fleeting glance then his Section mask had fallen back into place immediately, but in that one look James Fraser had declared his thoughts on the matter of their two leaders. With realization dawning, Claire lowered her shocked face at what she had seen, letting his answer wash over her.

She knew categorically and without a shadow of a doubt though, that whatever lay ahead today or in the future … they would always be there for each other.  

With eyes fixed ahead, their footsteps never faltered as together James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp continued on to the Committee Room where their uncles were waiting with Madeline and Operations.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued Friday 8th July

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 219

SYNOPSIS: Jamie and Claire proceed to the Committee Room where Mr Lambert and others are waiting for them.   Unfortunately for Madeline and Operations, what is presented in their evidence just may be the beginning of the final nails in their coffins. 

Chapter 218  and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

I was unable to finish this chapter and post last week, as I had much to do with relatives visiting from overseas. But as usual, I am always so very thankful for all who are reading my writing.  THANK YOU all for supporting this story, for your wonderful comments and likes. For all of your engagement, I am over the moon.  Thank you all so much. 👋

CHAPTER 219

When James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp entered the Committee Room, Operations and Madeline were again seated in front of the Head of Centre, while Colum Mackenzie and Letitia Chisholm were sitting off to the side of the detainees.  Although they could only see the backs of Madeline and Operations, the first thing that the two operatives noticed was that their leaders sat there with the stony resolve of their usual persona.  It was evident by their posture as their backs were ramrod straight. It was typical Operations and Madeline body language … boredom. No doubt they thought that this whole exercise had been a waste of time, especially if their superiors had already reached a decision as to their Fate.

However, as Jamie and Claire came closer though, they did notice that the mannerisms between the two leaders was somewhat restrained as they were seated apart from one another.  Perhaps the proceedings had not gone the way they had anticipated and that the evidence presented had been more damaging than they had ever thought imaginable.   Nevertheless, in their typical body language, they gave the appearance that they were not in the least fazed by what had occurred this morning and were showing a quiet disdain. Judging by the way they were sitting, there seemed to be a silent antagonism of being here in the first place and an aloofness that could define their mindset.

Had the information this morning been an eye opener for them that they were never expecting, especially when they saw that Letitia Chisholm was present?

Operations and Madeline had not laid eyes on her since she had been rescued.  What then had her testimony been like?  No doubt her evidence may not have been to their liking and it would have been difficult to refute her account of events leading up to her kidnapping and mind-altering process.  They would have to know that he and Claire would only reiterate what the program had done to her and to his Sassenach.  If it had not been for Letitia Chisholm, then Claire may very well have never recovered. The fact that he had rescued her was the key to saving Claire.  Because he was able to reverse the program on his Sassenach with Letitia’s help, this would have scuttled any plans that Operations and Madeline had of making their separation final. Had this been the case then they might have succeeded in keeping him just were they wanted him … under their thumb.  But at what cost?

He would never have been the operative they had wanted him to be if they had taken Claire out of the equation.  He would never have returned to that man he was before she had been recruited to Section One.  Their plans would have backfired monumentally.  He would have been a shell of a man without his Sassenach.  If Claire’s feelings for him had been erased by the Gelman process then he had no reason to live with the pain of losing her.  To lose her affection and love would have been the harshest, soul-destroying penalty he could ever have faced, and Madeline and Operations knew that, but perhaps that was their plan all along.

With Claire out of the picture, they would have him under their control once more, whereby he would take out his rage on the hostiles he was ordered to kill or capture. He would become their cold-blooded killing machine once more, devoid of feelings and robotic in his mannerisms.  However, what Madeline and Operations failed to realise was that his Sassenach’s death would not only be a motivation for his revenge on them as the perpetrators of her death, but he would grieve her loss in ways that were unimaginable for them to comprehend. If you could not understand love … there was no way that you could understand grief. 

They had never once thought through the consequences of what Claire’s life before, and especially after the Gelman procedure would be like, or how it impacted on the people within Section. Or had they? To them his Sassenach was expendable.  She would be totally under their control with no free will … she would be a robot, the dichotomy of the woman she once was and … all for what?  Just so that they could test this program on the very person who personified all that was good in life, just to prove a point to him that they could do whatever they wanted to in a way of punishing him for having fallen in love with Claire.  So that they could also subject Section operatives to the same procedure, then rule with an iron fist over all in Section who had no way of rebutting their treatment of them. However, in the end it was all for naught, for as per usual they had totally underestimated his determination to find how to reverse what they had so maliciously done to his beautiful Sassenach.

Did Operations and Madeline finally realise that they didn’t have cart blanche to do whatever they wanted regardless of the methods? 

They had arbitrarily put in place whatever procedures and measures that suited their own warped agenda of running Section.  This included to keep all of their operatives under control with the fear of cancellation hanging over their heads if they disobeyed or tried to buck the system. His Claire was a threat to their leaders’ way of dealing with their operatives because her compassion influenced so many in Section.  She was a little ray of sunshine in this hellhole and people gravitated to her personality.  Claire embodied the goodness in people and because of this, it showed up Operations and Madeline’s lack of any empathy.

Everything was cut and dried with them. There was no grey or light and shade when dealing with those in Section. It was survive, or be killed.  Clinical precision was seen as success for life, and if not then it was always death if the mission failed, for the threat of cancellation was very real. Claire however had shown that treating people differently didn’t change that fact that missions were still successful and attainment numbers were high. This was certainly true with Madeline and Operations’ dealing with them as a team. They were a threat to the way things were done in Section, and no doubt this might be discussed at this inquiry.

Yet that was not their leaders’ way of dealing with insurgents and operatives in Section. This methodology would ultimately lead to Madeline and Operations’ downfall, for it appeared that they were well and truly on the downward spiral now that they were facing this inquisition. The overthrow of Letitia Chisholm and the rivalry between Section and Oversight had all contributed in some way to the direction that their leadership took.  That, and the thirst for power were contributors as well. Once they had the power, they liked it, and they perpetuated the rule by fear and consequences that had led to this very investigation.

No doubt their evidence this morning would attest to all that had happened to Claire, and the lengths that Madeline and Operations went to, to separate them permanently. This was carried out all under the guise of doing it for the Section as well as maintaining that they were following protocol.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jamie gave Claire a sideways glance as if to reassure her that come what may, the truth about how their leaders had used and abused them singularly and together would finally be revealed.  They had nothing to fear from this interrogation but Operations and Madeline certainly did. Their testament would be compelling to Mr. Lambert, especially when he heard of what they had done to his niece.   

There was much that he and Claire could reveal of the machinations of their leaders towards them. There were the missions they had profiled for him to do prior to Claire’s recruitment.  Then when they saw that she was a problem to their plans, their manipulations of his Sassenach had led to her being in peril on more than one occasion.  They had tried to permanently separate them when they realised that he had fallen in love with his partner.  That is what eventually caused them the most angst as their strategies did not go as planned.

Madeline and Operations wanted him subservient to their demands and in the beginning he neither cared if he lived or died, so he cared not one way or the other if this happened on a mission.  What life did he have anyway?  He was dead to the world, to his family and more to the point, he was dead inside, while there was no way to ever leave Section One for he was under their control. However, all that changed when Claire was recruited and it was now where they both found themselves … on the precipice of a new beginning.  Whatever was revealed during this meeting would substantiate all the evidence against Madeline and Operations.  They were no longer fit to lead Section One … He and Claire knew it and more importantly so too did Mr. Lambert. Hence a change and new direction was in the wind.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Head of Centre watched the formidable figures of James Fraser and his niece as they entered the Committee Room and approached where the proceedings were taking place.

Every time he saw Jamie, he knew that this was the man to lead Section One. He glanced at Claire as she walked in sync with her partner, confident and self-assured just like the man beside her. This was a dynamic power couple who together would take Section in a new direction. They only needed to say the word and he would hand command of Section One into James Fraser’s hands and that of his partner in crime, his niece Claire Beauchamp.  Just observing their demeanour and body language, he knew straight away that they were prepared for whatever this investigation would ask of them.

He was already aware of some of the things that Madeline and Operations had ordered them to carry out, but he would be interested to hear their version of accounts. It just might be the tip of the iceberg.  He knew that there would be more that would be revealed than what had already been presented, and no doubt things would emerge that Operations and Madeline would sooner forget.  Having observed their conduct over the presented charges it would be interesting to see if they would crack when these credible people presented their evidence.

Although he hadn’t made up his mind yet of what punishment would be appropriate for what had been revealed so far, it would all depend how severe that punishment would be once he had heard of the relationships between the leaders of Section and their two best operatives … James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser and Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Knowing that their two recalcitrant operatives, the only two who could seal their fate had finally arrived, Madeline and Operations cast them a furtive glance but gave nothing away as to their feelings about them being present. They both stared straight ahead as if it was of no consequence that Jamie and Claire were finally here to give witness.

As the two operatives came closer Quentin Lambert addressed those present.  “Now that James Fraser and my niece are here, we can continue with the proceedings once again.”

In uttering those few words everything for Operations and Madeline suddenly changed dramatically when Mr. Lambert had said that Claire Beauchamp was his niece. Madeline gulped at the words and felt a nauseous feeling in the pit of her stomach.

This information was a kick in the guts they were never in a million years expecting.  It changed everything. She and Operations were now dealing with a person related to the Head of Centre.  Mr. Lambert would not be at all thrilled to hear what they had done to Claire, and especially the lengths they had gone to, to eliminate her and sever her relationship with her partner James Fraser.  She knew, as too did Operations, that they would be in a precarious situation which would undoubtedly have serious consequences with little chance of redemption, and not a snowball’s chance in hell of any forgiveness for their crimes.

Things could not be any worse so they would throw caution to the wind.  What did they have to lose?  They would go down fighting or die trying. So, irrespective of Jamie and Claire’s testimony, they were going to refute whatever they said regardless.  In their minds everything they had done had been carried out according to protocol, therefore there would be nothing to answer, for those protocols had been followed to the letter. 

Gesturing to Jamie and Claire Mr. Lambert stated, “Please take a seat and we shall begin. Colum if you will, can you present the next item in the Dossiers?”

“Of course, sir.  But I think it important to diverge a little from the agenda first to understand the importance of the charges brought up against Dougal and Madeline.”

Quentin Lambert looked at the Head of Oversight with a quizzical expression on his face. “Please explain your rationale.”

“Certainly Mr. Lambert. There are a few things that will need some investigation before we examine James Fraser’s rescue of Letitia Chisholm.  That is why she has remained with us for this discussion, then we shall look at the aftermath of what happened when Jamie found her.  But, before we bring up this issue, I feel that it is imperative that we first discuss the following …  

Item #4 … UNDER VALUING SECTION ONE OPERATIVES … JAMES FRASER and CLAIRE BEAUCHAMP.”

“Yes, Colum.  I agree.  It is crucial that we realize the parameters of this conversation. Understanding what it was that caused these actions to be taken by Operations and Madeline will give us a better picture of their relationship with James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp.  Please proceed.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Colum Mackenzie then began to outline his arguments of their under valuation of these two exemplary Section One operatives. 

“I have discovered in my investigations, and on the many times I visited Section, that there have been too numerous episodes to mention of misjudging the capabilities and competence of Jamie and Claire.”

“Explain if you will.”

“Section One undervalues them as operatives, underestimates their worth to Section, and places undue pressure on their Mission success and on their personal relationship.”

“In what ways?”

“Operations and Madeline pushed them too hard and put insurmountable obstacles in their way, all because of their fear of the pair overthrowing them in a coup for leadership. They have particularly manipulated them through their growing relationship, as this fear of a coup exacerbated in their opinion. To Dougal and Madeline, it was a clear sign that Claire and Jamie could likely seize control of Section, much like Operations did years ago.  No doubt this reminded them of the very takeover Dougal initiated to overthrow Letitia Chisholm who founded the organisation. He and Madeline could not risk Jamie and Claire doing the same to them.”

“That’s a very interesting thought Colum, given that because of their close relationship they may very well take over the leadership of Section One. Did Madeline and Operations think this would be by force?”

“Correct. That was their fear, that Jamie and Claire would usurp them.”

"Lies! All Lies! We never feared a coup. James Fraser was often given the opportunity to take command of Section on occasion, for several hours at a time and on a temporary basis when I was required elsewhere.  Madeline and I gave him ample opportunities to show potential leadership. There was even a formal change of command and he had full operational authority.”

“These are some fictional warped observations conjured up in your mind Colum.” Madeline added tersely. “My strongest role was in providing objective counsel to Jamie when he was in charge. Operations even told him not to let his emotions cloud his judgment, but he ignored his and my advice and deemed that Claire be his second in command.”

“Yet when you saw how competently he handled the position of leader, both you and Operations knew that he was a threat to your leadership.”

“I would have thought that they would have always been the understudies for potential leadership positions.”

“Madeline wasn’t about to let that happen though Quentin.  We have already discussed their hold on power and reluctance to see anyone try and take it from her and Dougal.  Because of it she stripped Jamie of his authority as a way to break him down and split the two apart.”

“This seems to be a very severe response from Madeline. Perhaps Jamie would care to comment as to what happened.”

“It is true, Mr. Lambert.  Madeline downgraded me from Level 5 status to Level 2.  I was demoted and sidelined, stripped of Team Leadership and I was removed from my office. I was also placed in backup support positions on missions.”

Mr Lambert was shocked by what Jamie had just stated. He glared at Madeline and Operations before his comment on the matter. “The cruelty and injustice of this treatment of their best operative was certainly unforgiveable Colum. This intel coupled with what we have already heard only reiterates that Operations and Madeline are more and more evil, ruthless and dedicated to a higher purpose than we first thought, with Section power politics taking precedence over bringing down terrorists and saving the world.”

“It is certainly difficult to understand their reasoning and what it in fact achieved Quentin, especially given that Jamie and Claire’s mission successes were always extremely high.”

Operations interjected denying all that had been said. “I must vehemently refute what you have assumed were our motives Mr Lambert. Madeline and I have always had, and always will have the best interests of Section’s objectives at the forefront.  Capturing terrorists is what we do every day.  The efforts to capture the illusive Sun Yee Lok from the Rising Dragons triad and all its hierarchy attest to the dedication that Madeline and I aim to achieve with our operatives.  The End Game is of the upmost importance.” 

“But brother … you placed Claire in jeopardy and refused to help Jamie when she was kidnapped. He had to ask for time owing him. The End Game is only achievable if it benefits you and Madeline.  Your ulterior motives are glaringly obvious.”

“We did what we thought best for the outcome of the mission.  Operatives are expendable if they are captured regardless of who that operative is.  If it puts the team in jeopardy to rescue an operative, then protocol states that we take the best scenario to achieve our goal. Your interference also did not help Colum, and you know it.  I did what I had to do to make sure that you and your mole Frank Wolverton-Randall did not obstruct our mission.”

“You are heartless and delusional Dougal. Keeping tabs on you was necessary and it is why we are here today.”

“Gentlemen! Please! That may be so Dougal but if it was a question of loyalty to you and to Section that motivated your actions in devaluing James Fraser, no doubt you were totally off beam, as Jamie and Claire’s priorities have always been at the forefront.  That is why as a team they are so successful.  You cited the recent Rising Dragons’ mission as what motivated you to succeed, but your actions against Jamie and Claire were petty and unwarranted on that mission.  Were you hoping to set an example of the pair for other operatives not to follow their example?  Can you just imagine what James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp could have achieved, if properly motivated?”

“No doubt their performances would have been off the charts Quentin. They are an exceptional team, led by the incomparable, intelligent James Fraser. They achieved goals no other partnership could emulate because of his leadership. He is an operative of such high calibre, that he is respected by all who are under his command.”

“I daresay that is correct Colum.” The Head of Centre then addressed Jamie himself.  “Could you explain a little more of your demotion Jamie, and what resulted because of it?”

Without beating about the bush James Fraser came right out and said what happened. “Madeline put in place a hard wedge type one directive between Claire and I.”

“And what did that mean?”

I will explain Claire Beauchamp replied and began to enlighten her uncle. “Jamie and I couldn’t have a romantic relationship, because Madeline thought it had a 1.5% negative effect on Jamie’s performance.  We were forbidden to see each other under any circumstances, no fraternization whatsoever, no communication after hours and certainly no partnership on missions.”

Jamie then continued, “Feeling threatened, Madeline issued the type one directive to force us apart, hoping to derail our formidable partnership before we came to rival her and Operations. This led to some extremely uncomfortable situations with a new team leader, as we tried to cope with this deliberate cruelty.”

“And did it work?”

“Not really sir.  When it came right down to it, Madeline didnae care about Claire and I having a romantic relationship. She just wanted us to stop caring about each other. Her aim was to dehumanize me and to see us suffering. This was a game for Madeline and one she took great pleasure in ordering.”

Mr Lambert had listened intently to their explanations.  He glanced at Madeline and Operations before he replied.  “Clearly, this wasn’t about a 1.5% drop in your performance Jamie, as any other operative would barely be half as good as you anyway. It appears that the reason for this directive seemed rather petty. Instead, it looks like Madeline was obviously worried about the threat that you and Claire could pose to her and Operations. Also, there seemed to be an element of revenge on her behalf.” “Madeline knew that my self-esteem was tied into Claire’s perception of me. It was verra painful for me to see how it affected her when I was demoted from all that made me the operative that I was.”

“So, it appears that Madeline willingly jeopardized missions and risked sacrificing you purely out of spite.”

Section’s second in command had heard enough.  She stood up and angrily denied the accusations being hauled her way. “Definitely not! Why would I jeopardise any missions just to get one back at Jamie?  That is a ludicrous statement.”

Again, Claire defended her partner and rebutted Madeline’s statement. “Jamie said it didn't bother him to lose his authority, and he may have even believed it when he said it, but it was so not true. He was humiliated by the seriousness of losing his status.”

Mr Lambert ignored the furious stare Madeline shot his way. “Go on Claire.”

“James Fraser is admirable, a brilliant operative and a noble man.  Whatever he does, he needs to do it well, the best he can. That meant something to him. It was acutely painful to watch him demoted and sidelined to the point where he could no longer be effective.  I was furious at the cruelty and injustice of his treatment by Madeline and Operations.  I was heartbroken for him when I saw him suffering because of her orders.”

Madeline scoffed in disdain. “Oh, how touching … Claire Beauchamp was heartbroken for her partner. Well, here is some news for you. He got over it.”

“Only because he had to insert himself into Davenport's mission instead of allowing it to fail. He always has the success of the mission in mind.  As Team Leader, Davenport was floundering and didn’t know what to do.  When Jamie took over the mission, everything fell into place and it was carried out successfully, something which Davenport himself acknowledged. He treated Jamie with compassion and respect, and by graciously ceding command of that final mission to him as well, he knew what had happened to Jamie and he knew he was the better man to lead the mission. Davenport was out of his depth.  Jamie was not.  How many Section operatives would have the guts to do something like that? Not many knowing that they would suffer the consequences when they returned to Section One.”

“Davenport disobeyed orders.  He would have achieved the End Game had he not lost his nerve,” Madeline announced mockingly.” It was a test and he failed miserably.”

Colum Mackenzie was aghast at what his nephew had endured with this devaluation of his expertise. “Which only goes to prove how trivial were your actions against James Fraser. Obviously, the mission was expendable, as was the Team leader Davenport.  Jamie is a perfectionist and he didn’t want to see the mission fail, but your aim was just to humiliate him yet again at the expense of Davenport who was struggling in his leadership of the team.” 

The mission would have been aborted and Davenport would have been cancelled for incompetence.”

“If you say so, but that is not the impression that we get Madeline.  It seemed that you would have risked the success of the mission just to spite James Fraser.  It appears that if he had not taken over, then casualties would have occurred.  Was this your aim?  To eliminate Jamie and Claire under the guise of a failed mission?”

Again, Madeline held her ground but she refused to comment on what the Head of Centre had stated.

“I guess your silence is your answer,” Quentin Lambert retorted.

“Could I say something else Mr Lambert?”

“Yes of course. Please do Claire. What is it that you wish to say?”

“In regards to Jamie’s relationship with me, he was reluctant to risk it, slow to commit; in fact, it took him years for him to get to this point. He knew what he wanted … to be with me and nothing Madeline said or did was going to change his mind. He was not going to take this Hard Wedge lying down. He came by my apartment under the threat of cancellation to tell me something. “It's not over. We will be together." Jamie didn’t want it to be over and neither did I. I loved him, and he loved me, something that Madeline and Operations could not understand. Loving me did not put his mission leadership status in peril.  We always achieved what needed to be done.  Our relationship only improved how we worked together.  It did not impede, hinder or in any way put the mission in jeopardy.  Madeline’s directive was baseless.”

“Thank you for your confirmations Claire. There is much I need to consider in what you have both said in regards to the directive and devaluation of James Fraser as a Team Leader.”  He then turned to Colum Mackenzie, “Is there anything else Colum that needs to be addressed in regards to Item #4?”

“Yes …There are a few more things that need to be covered in regards to the devaluation of these two exemplary operatives Mr. Lambert. I have certainly not finished with the information I have in hand.  If I may continue Quentin?”

“I’m sure that anything else you present will be staggering as to the skullduggery of the leaders of Section.  So far what has been presented is shocking, but we may find out that the stories we've heard so far are just the tip of the iceberg. So, by all means, please do Colum.”

Madeline cast a covert glance at Operations as if to say … What else could be presented in these dossiers that could well and truly bury us?

Dougal Mackenzie’s look in reply had Madeline worried. Very worried indeed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued Friday 22nd July

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 227

SYNOPSIS: Letitia Chisholm makes her way to the Perch to wait for Colum Mackenzie to return from the White Room. Meanwhile surprise company is waiting for Jamie and Claire when they leave the Committee Room. Operations learns of his fate.

Chapter 226  and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

THANK YOU all for supporting this story, for your feedback, for your likes and for reblogging each chapter. I am so grateful that you are still enjoying Covert Operations.  Thank you all so much. 👋

CHAPTER 227

James Fraser, Claire Beauchamp and Letitia Chisholm made their way from the Committee Room a short while after their leaders had left to make their way to the White Room to pass sentence on Operations.  Letitia stopped for a moment to say her goodbyes before walking towards the Perch where she would wait for Colum’s return when he had finished business with his brother.  Claire gave her a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek and Letitia responded similarly with the warmth of her embrace. Jamie watched their exchange with a deeper affection for Section One’s founding leader.

“Thank ye Letitia for all ye have done for my Sassenach, and myself in helping to bring my Claire back to me.  I will forever be grateful.”

“Oh, Jamie.  Words cannot describe how much it was you who brought me back from the brink of death myself.  You also reunited me with my love Colum Mackenzie.  You are indeed a very special man.  I am proud to call you friend and perhaps one day nephew.”

“Likewise,” he responded respectfully. “Thank ye too for yer testimony.  It certainly clarified the events that happened to Clare for her uncle.”

“It needed to be said, not only for Quentin but also to make Operations and Madeline aware that they could not get away with such methods for the reasons they did so.”

“Thank you, Letitia.  I too am thankful for your support this morning.”

“Claire, you have only a bright future to look forward to with Jamie by your side.  You both deserve only the best from here on in.”

“We will certainly call on ye for yer wise counsel if needed.”

“I am always available to be of guidance, support or assistance, if and whenever you might need it, but … I’m sure that won’t be necessary Jamie.”  Letitia replied giving him a wry grin.  “You are the best of the best and are wise and astute in all matters of the heart …,” she glanced at Claire and her smiled widened significantly, …”and in the future running of Section.  You won’t need my advice.”

James Fraser nodded in appreciation.

“Hopefully I will see you both later today or tomorrow under better circumstances.  It will be up to Mr. Lambert to decide when an announcement is to be made of Section’s new leadership.”

Claire gripped her hand overcome with emotion.  Letitia smiled and turned to make her way to the Perch knowing that this young couple had their destiny in sight.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~                                                   

Jamie and Claire watched Letitia Chisholm go and listened to the counsel of their thoughts. Little did they realise when the elevator had whooshed them quietly into the depths of the earth that it would take most of the day for Operations and Madeline’s destiny to be sealed.  They had entered Section with resolve and a steely determination for what they may face this day, and Fate had undoubtedly stepped in with a vengeance in more ways than one. All of Operations and Madeline’s past indiscretions, manipulations, management of Section operatives and any underhand machinations they had been involved in, planned and carried out, had indeed been scrutinized. Claire remembered the magnitude of questions that flooded her mind when they had entered Section, for fear of the unknown and what to expect always made her apprehensive. There had been a lot riding on the decisions that were to be made this day.  Now in retrospect, Madeline and Operations’ actions had consequences and she had paid dearly for those decisions, as too would Dougal Mackenzie.  

She couldn’t help but recall their call to come in this morning especially now they knew exactly what had concluded. The sessions in the Committee Room had been disturbing from the get go.  Much had been revealed of Operations and Madeline’s subterfuge in the way they ran Section that was eye opening.  She knew that they had manipulated her badly and had used her love for Jamie to keep him under control, but the extent of that knowledge was distressing.  She had much to think about but even more to be grateful for.  They had both felt the tension in the air when they had made their way to the Committee Room with the eyes of Section operatives on them both.  Their colleagues knew that something serious was happening but were polite enough not to ask.  They knew that in good time they may know the reason for this inquiry taking place with the Head of Centre and Oversight behind closed doors.

The inquisition had certainly been a harrowing experience especially having to relive what Madeline had put her through with the Gelman procedure.  However, in a way it was liberating too to finally have all that had happened to her out in the open.  It was necessary for both of their uncles to know what she had gone through but also what her partner had done to bring her back to life. Reliving all that had transpired and Jamie’s endeavours in saving her with Letitia’s help had opened her heart even more to how deep her love for this special man was.  She would have been bereft without his love and support and that of Murtagh too for helping him.  The fact that the wizened old codger was his godfather made the sacrifices they made to save her all the more poignant. She couldn’t love him, or Jamie more. 

Undoubtedly it was Letitia also that had been the integral factor in Jamie being able to put in place all that he did to deprogram her.  The fact that her love would have been beside himself with worry caused her distress to think about what an emotional roller-coaster ride he had been on. However, it was his steely determination and most importantly his love that had been successful in reversing the mind-altering procedure Madeline had used on her.  In thinking back on their evidence, she could only be filled with acute love for this man who held her heart.  James Fraser was a good man.  Although he was a cold-blooded killer for Section in the past, she just knew that in his role of Section’s new leader, he would be able to show another side to his personality long buried deep within him.  Section under his leadership would be more egalitarian.  Operatives would not perform under the duress that they may be cancelled.  Rather they would do the job required of them because they believed in the ethos of a new Section …  and one that protected the right of freedom and not oppression, of right rather than wrong and of free will over a hard determination. Operatives would have autonomy and agency under his leadership which they had never had before.

Life in Section One was going to change exponentially.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~    

James Fraser too held his own counsel.  In particular he needed to contemplate the news that Murtagh Fitzgibbons had been keeping a watchful eye over him without declaring his relationship as his godfather.

The information that Murtagh had been passing on crucial intel about Operations and Madeline behind their backs, only went to prove how much he must love both he and Claire.  Murtagh Fitzgibbons had always been his champion and unbeknownst to him, he now realised the why.  He had sacrificed everything to protect them both as operatives, and also their relationship.  He remembered the smug smiles he had often cast their way when they returned to Section as proud as punch that their missions had gone to plan.  But not only that, Murtagh had kept a fatherly eye on him as well as taking his Sugar under his wing since she first came into Section as a raw recruit.  Somehow, he must have known that Claire would come to mean the world to him.  He was her protective guardian, her confidant and her best friend here in Section. Murtagh Fitzgibbons always managed to make light of serious situations when Claire was in two minds about the validity of missions and the fact that her moral compass seemed to always be tested. He was a calm presence and offered wise guidance for her to ally her fears.  And she loved him.

All the news of Colum Mackenzie being his uncle, and Mr Lambert’s, Claire’s, had knocked them both for a six.  He had always thought he had his finger on all things pertaining to his Sassenach, but this information had come as a revelation left of centre.  His top priority had always been Claire and he guessed that he had taken his eye off the ball in regards to himself. He had loved that she had such a friend in Murtagh who had been stalwart in his affection for her as well. Little did he know that his godfather’s love had hovered over him also.  He couldn’t believe how lucky he had been to find his life partner in this hellhole and under the most heinous of situations.  At the same time, he had found that it was not just her love that had brought him back from the darkness, but the love of several people who had done so surreptitiously.  He felt his heart swell with the knowledge that he was no longer alone.  He was surrounded by those who loved and supported him.  He just knew that when the time came to announce his and Claire’s leadership of a new Section One, that they would be supported. Those who had done so from a distance, could now show their faces.  He felt more than optimistic. He knew that his destiny had been preordained and with his Sassenach by his side all was possible. 

He also thought back to seeing a smiling Murtagh standing with his fiancée Bóinne Rivière when they had entered Section One this morning.  He now knew why he had that reaction.  Initially he thought it was because he and Claire always seemed to warrant that reception. However, he now realised that that cheeky old bugger was hiding a secret that he would soon find out.  Could it have been that Murtagh seemed tickled pink that the truth would finally be revealed? His godfather had always been his champion, keeping him safe with his inventive gadgets and superior weaponry.  Murtagh had nursed this secret while keeping a fatherly eye over him and his Sassenach. He recalled his own reaction at seeing the proud and joyous face of Murtagh staring at him which made him give his own wry grin in response. He wanted so much to hear all about his godfather Murtagh Fitzgibbons and his presence in his life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~    

As James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp moved outside the Committee Room they happened to glance up and see that the very person that had been on their minds was standing in the distance with another huge silly grin on his face.  Moving over to where he stood, both Jamie and Claire couldn’t help but make eye contact with the man who was his godfather … Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser.

Noticing that the two people who he loved the most came nearer with pensive looks on their faces he spoke before they had a chance to.   He knew that this was all bewildering to them and they both needed to make sense of his secret relationship with them. His eyes however, watched Jamie and his Sugar like a hawk trying to gauge their feelings.

“So, it is over then?” Murtagh asked breaking the ice before they could say anything.

“Aye.”

Raising an eyebrow in a quizzical way he asked, “I guess that you may have some questions?”

“Aye … we do.  But not here Murtagh.  This is not the place.”

“Just name where and I will be there Jamie.”

“My office in twenty minutes.  Claire and I need a moment to think.”

“As you wish,” he nodded giving them the space they both needed to contemplate on what was the most important thing they needed to know when they next met.

Murtagh Fitzgibbons watched as his godson and Claire turned in the direction of James Fraser’s office.  No doubt him being Jamie’s godfather was a shock to them but he relished Claire’s response with her eyes as they moved away.  She loved it.  She loved that he was Jamie’s godfather and she couldn’t hide her delight that it was so.  He would explain everything and answer all their questions when they met in twenty minutes time. He knew that they needed to ponder this information and needed time to make sense of it.

Turning to walk back to his munitions’ station, he couldn’t help but grin, thankful that at long last both Jamie and Claire knew the truth of their relationship.  He was grinning from ear to ear.  He had a bouncy step in his gait, and a small chuckle emitted from his lips in sheer happiness.  Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser couldn’t feel any better than if he had won the lottery.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Section One operatives had been following the course of events since the arrival of the Head of Centre and Colum Mackenzie this morning, and knew that something was going down in the Committee Room, but not exactly what.  The fact that Operations and Madeline had been held in Containment and had been escorted there also meant that something big was happening.  Admittedly they had seen Operations taken back to the White Room and since then, he had not come out again. It sent a chill of dread in their mind as to what exactly was happening to the Head of Section, but also a morbid thrill at the same time that he was not in there for his health.  Operatives knew that he had been tortured and could tell by the signature incision he bore that there must have been a reason to torture Section’s leader. 

Why had he been taken back there again for another bout of Henry and Elizabeth’s modus operandi that was legendary in Section?  There could only be one reason.  Those tortured in the White Room were not there for minor transgressions.  No.  They were placed in there because there was a very good reason for doing so.  What then had Operations done that warranted him being tortured in the White Room?  Whatever it was, it must have been very serious, treasonous or it was something that had gone against Section’s principles.

Those in the Common Area had been shocked to the core when a gurney had been seen leaving the Committee Room with a body on it.  Then when the covering slipped to reveal the deathly white face of Section’s second in command, the shocking news that Madeline was dead went through Section like wildfire. It spread through the echelons of Section in a similar way as did the fact that they had been detained had done earlier yesterday.  There was not an operative from all levels who now did not know that she was gone. 

How that had happened was anyone’s guess.  Had she been eliminated in the Committee Room by the Head of Centre or Colum Mackenzie?  Or had she taken her own life?  That seemed the most probable cause as no gunshot was heard so it stood to reason that she had fallen on her own sword.  It seemed a very Madeline thing to do.  She would have wanted to be in control for that was the way she did things.  She would subject herself to no one, least of all to her superiors.  If Operations had been tortured then there was no way that Madeline would have wanted to be on the receiving end of the Torture Twins skills in persuasion. 

Nevertheless, the full story of what had really happened in the Committee Room may never be revealed.  If Operations too was eliminated by cancellation, the Head of Centre and Oversight must have had very good reasons for doing so.  This was certainly a conundrum and one that only the likes of Murtagh Fitzgibbons might know.  He was the one person in Section who always had his ear to the ground and knew things often before they even happened.  Was this sheer speculation on his behalf, or did he have prior knowledge of happenings?  Murtagh had been in Section a very long time and perhaps it was just history repeating itself that found Operations and Madeline on the receiving end of some long overdue justice for how they came to power in the first place.

The suspense of not knowing would certainly make Murtagh or his little buddy Fergus Claudel more determined to find out everything that had gone down in the Committee Room.   They had also seen the stern looking Head of Centre and the solemn face of Colum Mackenzie as they made their way to the interrogation room. 

Meanwhile in the White Room …

“Damn you, Madeline!”  

These words resonated over and over in Operations’ mind as he finally came to terms that she was no longer alive. Raising his head, he forced himself to look at his executioner in the eye with a look of steely determination.  He knew that the Head of Centre was the only one who could announce what his sentence would be.  Pride and arrogance made Dougal Mackenzie resolute in order to face his opposition with the stalwart fortitude he and Madeline had exhibited in running Section. Despite his grief, he shuffled his body in the torture chair which enabled him to sit up straighter to hear his final verdict.

The succinct, emotionless way that the Head of Centre had announced his partner’s death, was a foreboding message that his sentence would most undoubtedly be declared in the same way.  Knowing that his brother was there as well to hear the proclamation of his demise did not surprise him in the least. Considering that there was no love lost between the brothers, Colum would obviously want to make sure that when the time came, he would witness his death.

The question was would they torture him a little more or put him out of his misery?  He had asked for a bullet. That would be quick, clean and precise, but it was up to the Head of Centre to make that decision.  His brother had tortured him on two occasions now, so would he want to see him suffer for a third time just to make him capitulate and ask for forgiveness he knew would never be forthcoming?  It was blatantly obvious that Colum had the upper hand and enjoyed seeing him squirm. 

Damn you, Madeline! Why did you commit suicide?  Why did you not want to face our sentence together?  We had run Section side by side, but your decision left me to face the consequences alone, and not as the team I thought we were.  You deserted me in a blatant display of selfishness and disregard for my feelings. My thoughts may be of you, but did you even think of me when you took your own life? Obviously not. Perhaps it was always your nature to take what you wanted from others regardless of the consequences as you did from your sister when you pushed her down the stairs wanting the doll she had.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

His relationship with Madeline was indeed toxic and abusive at times. It may have been lust at first, but when scorned he responded by demanding sexual favours from her which soon turned abusive. He couldn't really come to terms with her rejection when he wanted more than she was willing to give.  While his attachment to Madeline, however one-sided and unhealthy at times, it was fairly clear that her position was much more detached. Did she love him? No … not really.  She used him. Did he love her? Probably at first. Did she merely believe that his leadership was good for Section? … In her mind what was good for him was really good for her aspirations.  She loved the power they had together as leaders.

In their world sex was a service and tool of the profession that their Valentine operatives used to lure their enemies, but what did it actually signify for them? It meant nothing apparently, for Madeline had vetoed his advances and harboured no regrets. She was devoid of any empathetic or emotional feelings for anyone really.  A romantic relationship never existed as far as she was concerned.  Madeline had no real feelings for him and that was blatantly obvious. Although they were never monogamous this added another layer of complexity to their relationship, triggering jealousy, anger, and indeed even violence on his behalf.  He felt duped, rejected and totally blindsided. It was the ultimate act of rejection, done without a care for how her death would affect him. He was ropable.

To hell with her!

However, now that Madeline was dead, he had nothing to lose.  He would go down fighting with the very last breath in his body. There was no way in Hades that he would yield to Quentin Lambert and he never would to his brother Colum.  He would not make it an easy decision for Mr Lambert to make.  He had been deprived of his closest ally and supporter, stripped of control over Section One, humiliated and exposed because of the dossiers, so he did not want to be forced to watch the persons he detested gain more and more at his expense.  Knowing that James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp would take over the running of Section One was the ultimate indignity. All that he and Madeline had done for Section over the years, was for naught. With his death, an era at Section One would come to an end.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dougal Mackenzie was resolved to the fact that he would not leave the White Room alive and had nothing to lose with his vitriol.

“Well … I know that you are both here to torture me and witness my demise.  So, tell me … what are you planning to do that will demean me even more than you have already done?”

“I see you have not lost your sarcastic tongue Dougal,” Colum replied taking a step forward so that his brother could see his face. “Your bitterness has always been a trait of your personality.”

“Spare the platitudes.  What is my sentence? Or are you wanting to see me capitulate and beg for clemency?”

“I doubt you would ever admit defeat.  You never have … and never will.”

“Ah?  So, you plan to continue my session in the White Room a little longer just to prove a point.  Is that how it is going to be?”

“It is … if you would like it to be.”

“I am indifferent.  I care not one way or the other.”

“As you wish,” the Head of Centre announced. He then outlined the charges against Operations.  “Dougal Mackenzie Level 9, Head of Section One, Vietnam veteran, former Lieutenant, recruited into Section One just before the fall of Saigon, you have been sentenced to death for your treason, atrocities against mankind and your own personnel as well as your blatant disregard for the mantra and ethos of this organisation. Your lust for power was your ultimate undoing.”

Operations glared at him; his lips pursed in a determined way as he listened as Quentin Lambert continued.

“You were once an invaluable asset to Section One, but power corrupted you, enticing you with the thrill of accumulating more and more.  Your thirst for control gained by any means necessary is what sullied you. You are not fit to lead this organisation and have not been for some time.”

“You are rotten to the core Dougal. The information in my dossiers have proven this again and again.”

“My!  My!  Such flattery from my brother,” he replied sarcastically.  “But tell me this Colum … will my death make any difference to the chosen two?  No doubt you had our nephew earmarked for greatness.”

He then turned his steely gaze towards Quentin Lambert stating, “Your nepotism is evident with your niece too Mr Lambert. You can’t deny that it was your plan all along to make James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp the new leaders of Section.”

“You were distrustful of my niece and your nephew, and attempted to kill them on a number of occasions, despite grudgingly being forced to accept their success at completing Section One missions.  I’m sure it pains you to acknowledge that they are indeed the rightful successors for leadership. You know this is the truth and your thwarted any chance of them taking over command with the manipulation of them.  You wanted and needed to hold on to your power at all costs.”

Operations refused to acknowledge the truth of the Head of Centre’s words and remained stoic.

“You and Madeline never ever played by the Section Rule Book Dougal. You always made your own strategies by whichever way would best suit your objectives, regardless if it was ethical or not.  This brother was also your undoing.”

“You are enjoying this aren’t you Colum?  You have waited a long time for me to have my comeuppance.  And now you can gloat.  How does it feel to be superior?” was his scurrilous retort.

“I am not crowing brother.  In fact, I pity you. Your pride got the better of you until you were unable to see right from wrong. This is a situation of your own making.  It has been proven irrefutably that the crimes you and Madeline committed is why you find yourself in this circumstance.”

“I'm impressed with your diligence Colum. Not many people could have deceived Madeline and I so thoroughly … touché!  Congratulations, you've won at last.” “I won a long time ago brother. I had to draw you both out. You should have accepted it and moved on. Letitia taught me well.  Now it has all come to this.”

“I believe that you must have had help in compiling your dossiers Colum.  Section must have had another mole who was passing on information.  Who was it?”

“Murtagh Fitzgibbons,” he replied taking in the surprised look on his brother’s face.

Swallowing the bitter pill of the knowledge of this information, and although aggrieved that his Vietnam colleague was responsible for this transgression against him and Madeline, he was resigned to the fact that his intel had been correct. They had both been responsible for the atrocities outline in each section of the dossiers and now he knew it was time to pay the piper, which the Head of Centre did.

“Before I pass sentence,” Mr. Lambert stated, “I believe you have something that belongs to me.”

Operations couldn’t reach into his clothing, but Colum did, and removed the silver Chain of Command that was around his neck.  If he could have had a last say in procedures, he would have ignored his brother, taken the chain from around his neck himself and let it fall to the floor with a thud in a last act of defiance. He didn’t have that chance but his eyes registered the hate for these two men clearly enough that his thoughts were apparent to them.

“Dougal Mackenzie.  You asked that your death be by a bullet.  I am granting that request.”

As Colum passed the chain in his hand to the Head of Centre, Operations stated unflinchingly, “So magnanimous of you sir…  but I thank you.”

“Here you are, Quentin … You have command back,” the Head of Oversight stated solemnly.

“Yes … I have command of Section, which in due course I will pass on to its new leader.”

Then turning back to Operations sitting in the metal chair Mr Lambert finished relaying his judgement. “Dougal Mackenzie … You will be taken from the White Room to await your execution. May God have mercy on your soul.”

With those final words, Colum Mackenzie and Quentin Lambert turned away and made their way out of the White Room, leaving a now despondent Operations with his thoughts of his imminent execution resounding in his head.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued Friday 16th September

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 226

SYNOPSIS: Madeline’s demise at her own hand was not totally unexpected, however what is Operations’ reaction when he knows of her suicide when Mr Lambert visits him in the White Room to pass judgement. 

Chapter 225 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

The end is getting nearer, and I am very thankful for all who are reading my writing. THANK YOU all for supporting this story, for your wonderful feedback and kudos. I am very appreciative.  Thank you all so much. 👋

CHAPTER 226

It had been a while since Dougal Mackenzie had been ordered back to the White Room after his volatile outburst thrown at the Head of Centre, his brother and all those gathered in the Committee Room. His disdainful scorn had been the last straw and Mr. Lambert had ordered him and Madeline to be separated.  In the Head of Centre’s mind, he was in need of a little persuasion by Henry and Elizabeth to improve his lack of contrition for the misdemeanors incurred towards James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp.

However, he’d heard enough of their beat-up charges and he couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. It was preposterous what evidence had been presented, for everything that had been contained in his brother’s infamous dossiers had been over emphasized.  Meanwhile anything he and Madeline had tried to refute was shot down in flames. He couldn’t stand one minute longer hearing the accusations being flung at them and he couldn’t control his temper when he shouted out … “This is nothing more than a Kangaroo Court! Madeline and I have been tried and convicted regardless of what we have said!  You can all rot in hell!”

Now, here he sat still strapped into the torture chair after having been the recipient of some ghastly known and inhumane attempts to make him acquiescent, while at the same time make him admit his involvement in all the charges brought against him and Madeline.  Mr. Lambert’s passing words still resonated in his mind. “Your words are hollow under the circumstances given the evidence from these key witnesses.  I will deal with you later Dougal.”

Hence, he knew that the Head of Centre and his brother, Colum Mackenzie, would at some time make their way to the White Room to pass judgement on him.  Mr. Lambert would seek justice for all the wrongs he, as leader of Section, had done not only for his treason, but for the manipulations against James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp.  His hatred for his brother for what he had brought against him and Madeline had increased tenfold since their last little session here in the White Room.  He couldn’t deny that Colum had indeed presented some very incriminating evidence on the two of them, but did that warrant his treatment by Henry and Elizabeth because of it? 

He’d been tortured with the signature incisions the White Room was known for, and he had endured gut wrenching pain as well as the loss of a considerable amount of blood from the cut under his eye. He had experienced this unpleasant pay back from his brother that he never thought him capable of ordering, but the last straw had been the severing of his little finger with the secateurs.  He had borne the cuts under his eyes as a standard procedure by the Torture Twins, but when the bone cutting instruments had appeared on the trolley, he knew that Colum had a more painful method in mind.  The pain had been excruciating and his hand still throbbed, as too did the incisions under his eyes with each of his heartbeats in his chest. As he sat there in misery, he wondered what other modes of torture his brother might use when he returned, or Mr. Lambert for that matter, that would in any way have any effect on his attitude for submission or apology. 

He knew that at any moment the White Room door would open and he would hear footsteps.  Whether they belonged to his brother returning to take another pound of his flesh, or to the Head of Centre he knew not, but undoubtedly someone would come to continue interrogating him.

Operations braced himself for that moment.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Things had certainly escalated since last night when he was first placed here in the White Room and their subsequent interrogation with the Head of Centre.  The evidence his brother had gathered had listed all of their transgressions, and he wondered how in Heaven’s name Colum had managed to compile such evidence against Madeline and himself.  It was perplexing.  They thought that they had rid themselves of any of Colum’s spies in Section with the death of Frank Wolverton-Randall, but he was obviously just the tip of the iceberg.  There must have been another informant acting duplicitously in Section One right under their noses without detection.  It must have been someone with great knowledge of Section, and of them, to fly under the radar. 

But who could that person have been? He tried to wrack his brain thinking of potential candidates but came up empty handed. Who in Section would benefit for passing on intel to the Head of Oversight?  What were their motives and what would they have gained by doing so? 

The only thing he could think of was for revenge or to undermine their leadership. Could it have been James Fraser, their nephew?  He had just cause to be an informant and he could have easily surreptitiously passed on intel to Colum, to spite them for what he and Madeline had made him and Claire endure so many times.  That scenario made perfect sense to him.  James Fraser was capable of pulling off something like this.  Did he have friends in high places?  If so, that would have been Colum, so it stood to reason that his deductions were correct.  Jamie could, and did, outsmart them on many occasions that resulted in the directives brought against he and Claire in retaliation. He was smart enough, and canny enough, and certainly cunning enough to be able to pull the rug from under them.

Like him, Madeline would be incredulous and angry at the dossier information Colum had outlined, and on the other hand, wary of the consequences that would befall them. He wondered if she too had come to this same conclusion as well, and thought that there was another mole in Section that had gone unnoticed.  If so, his second in command would not have been happy.  If there had been another undercover operative in Section One, this would have eaten away at her given all that she and he had always done to keep all their indiscretions under wraps. This conundrum would eat away at Madeline until she found out who it was, and if given the chance, punish them severely.  Nothing escaped her, but if indeed someone had managed to pull this off, then she would be livid.  It would go against the grain, for she relished the way she always had her finger on the pulse of all things in Section One.

Madeline did not like failure and this breach right under their noses would have certainly cut her to the quick. It would be seen as a failure of hers and his strict control of classified material.  Her Machiavellian mind would not have coped with this information. Her cunningness, her ability to be manipulative, and her drive to use whatever means necessary to gain power would have taken a blow.  Her ego as well would have been tarnished if another mole was operating in Section while passing on intel to his brother at Oversight.

Would he ever know if this supposition was correct?  Would his brother Colum gloat one last time when he announced that it was true? Time would tell, if and when his superiors arrived to twist the knife in even deeper.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In reflection after having been taken from the Committee Room to face some punishment, he’d regretted his outburst, for his removal had left Madeline, his second in command to face the inquisition on her own.

He had no way of knowing what had transpired in that room, but he knew that Madeline could hold her own in any situation.  She had always been stalwart in her demeanour and he knew that whatever information was presented about her involvement in what had happened to Claire Beauchamp, then she would act appropriately in her own defense. He had no concerns whatsoever about her, as she would deny any and all of their aspersions.  His second in command was extremely good at deflecting culpability away from her own involvement in a situation … if it served her purpose. 

However, it was the thought of his partner having to endure some of the torture techniques he had suffered that was troubling him.  Madeline had trained Henry and Elizabeth in new ways of extracting information, until they had perfected and improved on the techniques, she herself had instigated in the White Room.  He feared that she would buckle under the thought of being on the receiving end of a practice she knew would cause the most agony.  The twins were exemplary in their work ethic and regardless of the victim, they relished the job that they did.  They had no feelings for any victims regardless of who they were, he himself was a case in point.  Henry and Elizabeth had shown no emotion whatsoever about what they had done to him despite him being the Head of Section. So, they would have no compunction in doing the same to Madeline, if ordered to do so.  It was just a job to them, but one that they took pride in exercising.  They were incapable of emotion and were immune to others’ suffering because of their own mindset and methods of persuasion. The more severe the torture methods, the better they liked it.  It was their job prescription for what they did each day to extract information from terrorists and insurgents.    

When Colum had first tortured him here just before the inquisition began, he remembered telling his brother to do his worst.  Now here he sat, waiting for that very scenario. He had been forewarned that Mr. Lambert would decide his fate and no doubt continue where Colum had left off.   He had no idea if the Head of Centre would be ruthless and cruel in his verdict, or would he be swift in his sentence. Time was irrelevant as he could be here in the White Room for days enduring methods of pain, for he was at the whim of his supreme leader.  It was up to Quentin Lambert to put his misery to an end or to prolong it.  The call was his and his alone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Operations remembered his reply to his brother, and his taunting retort when he was placed here in the White Room the night before the inquisition.  He recalled his taunt to his brother and Colum’s reply given with as much hostility in return.

“Well, if I am to die now … or tomorrow … I would prefer a bullet.”

“I think not! … That would be far too quick.  You need to repent for your deeds. Show some remorse if you can. Although I doubt you could.”

Believing that Colum was seeking revenge for what he and Madeline had done, he was belligerent and aggressive before goading his brother with some home truths. However, Colum resisted being baited throwing his misdemeanors back in his face.  So, when Mr. Lambert arrived, as he knew he would, just what would he do?  Interrogate him even more than he had already been?  Order his death? Seek some of his own revenge for what they had done to his niece Claire Beauchamp?  Whatever the Head of Centre may do, he would be prepared for anything and everything that he would throw at him.  He had not been Head of Section One all these years without having some irons in the fire for retorts.

He had sat in this chair mulling over what he would say when Quentin Lambert finally arrived. What he did know was that he was resolved that he would go down fighting or die trying. He wasn’t afraid of the Head of Centre … far from it. If his actions had consequences then Mr. Lambert would soon find out that those consequences meant nothing to him.  All he and Madeline had done was what they always had done … make Section One the envy of all the other sections bar none. The End Game was always achieved for that was their mantra.  It was accomplished regardless if some operatives were collateral along the way.  Then so be it.  He and Madeline had made Section what it was today … feared by all.  This was his belief and one that was without question.  He was resolute in that credence, for his words still resonated in his mind as to what he had said to Colum …“We capture the terrorists none others are capable of apprehending.  We interrogate them for intel that will achieve our ends.  The ends always justify the means brother. This is not a place for faint hearted people.”

He hoped that, come what may, when all the dust settled, and they were no longer around, the Heads of Centre and Oversight would finally realise that he and Madeline had indeed achieved these goals.  They had always been true to their mantra for Section One, albeit somewhat ruthless in the execution of their leadership style. 

Meanwhile …

Operations had no idea whatsoever what had occurred in the Committee Room with Madeline’s suicide.  He was of the impression that she would have held her own to any questions and accusations directed at her and was now probably back in the Containment cell waiting for her turn in the White Room.  He had no way of knowing that as far as the Head of Centre was concerned, the inquisition with Madeline was over, and that he, and his brother, Colum Mackenzie, were at this moment making their way to the White Room.  He knew at some stage they would make an appearance, but he knew not when.

However, when he heard the slide of the door bolt dislodging, Dougal knew that sound heralded someone entering the White Room.  He listened.  The familiar sound of the door creaking open, and then the realisation that it was shutting again meant that somebody had arrived. The next thing he heard was the sound of footsteps approaching.  This time the footfalls were determined with the sound of authority about them.  There were two distinct sets of footsteps that he could hear, but they were not the determined footfalls of Henry and Elizabeth, so in hazarding a guess, he deduced that Quentin Lambert must be one, and perhaps either his brother or James Fraser the other.  As they neared, Operations listened more carefully reassessing his decision.  It was most certainly the Head of Centre and he recognised the distinct pattern of his brother’s steps.  So, Colum had come to gloat once more and to make sure that whatever punishment was given that he would be here to witness it himself. 

Raising his head in a defiant stanch manner, Dougal watched as Quentin Lambert approached his solitary figure in the chair.  His eyes held the Head of Centre’s gaze, then he looked away as in his blurred peripheral vision, the sight of his brother caught his eye. Colum Mackenzie stood to one side to allow the Head of Centre to hold Dougal’s full attention.

“Well!  How nice of you to visit me, Mr Lambert,” Operations replied superciliously not once taking his eyes from the Head of Centre.  “I must say that I have anticipated your visit while I have been sitting here twiddling my thumbs.  I take it that the inquisition has concluded.”

“It has.”

 “So, you are now here to pass judgement on me.  Would that be correct, sir?”

“Undoubtedly.  I am also here to tell you the fate of your second in command.”

“Well? … Let me guess. You have found Madeline guilty as charged, and she is now waiting for her session in the White Room with Henry and Elizabeth.”

“Yes … and … no,” was his evasive answer.

“I see,” Operations replied a little skeptical as to his meaning in the negative.  “Well then, I am pleased to hear that she has been spared a torture session in the place that was her domain.  I wouldn’t like to think that Madeline would be on the receiving end of some of the methods she herself invented.”

It was then that Quentin Lambert dropped his bombshell. Succinct and to the point he stated, “Madeline is dead, Dougal.”

He was gobsmacked and couldn’t quite believe his ears. “What!?  What did you say?” Dougal then became a little more aggressive in his outburst.  “What?  Have you already killed her?  You bastard Lambert!”

Quentin Lambert’s reply was clinical. “Madeline defiantly committed suicide rather than face judgment. She took her own life by swallowing a cyanide tablet.  She was dead within seconds.”

Operations sat motionless at hearing these words.  He was paralysed in the chair; his mind refusing to process her suicide, but then a guttural moan left his lips.  “NOOOO…!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dougal Mackenzie gripped the arms of the metal chair with inhuman strength; his knuckles white from the effort.  Sorrow, but then anger at what she had done flared from deep within him and he lashed out.  He reared back in the chair as best he could, trying to control the fury he now felt at what she had done. He was also mad at himself.

If he had been there beside her instead of being here in the White Room, he may have been able to stop her taking her own life.  He felt guilty because of his outburst that had led to him being here.  Then again Madeline was her own woman and she always had been.  She had taken control away from the Head of Centre and placed it squarely back within her own hands.  He had to admire her fortitude in doing so. Then again, he couldn’t have stopped her doing what she did.  There was nothing he could have done to prevent her decision.  She’d known.  Madeline had known from the moment that they entered the room that her fate had been sealed.  They’d both really known. When they saw that Mr. Lambert was waiting for them in the Committee Room this morning it was a fait accompli.  Then when his brother had presented the dossiers there had been a snowball’s chance in hell that either of them would be exonerated of the crimes they had committed. Madeline’s death meant that he too would face a similar sentence, but unfortunately, unlike the choice she had been able to make, not of his own volition.

“NOOOO…!” Dougal uttered again dropping his head to his chest in despair of what his second in command had done.

“Madeline …” he whispered under his breath.

He felt a wave of nausea rise up in his stomach at this news. It spasmed violently and he felt as if he would vomit.  The bile rose in his throat and he managed to swallow the rancid taste but it still lingered on his lips. He couldn’t believe that she was gone. Unable to come to terms with the events of this harrowing news he felt a tear roll down his cheek. Madeline was gone.  She was dead.  He did not get to see her body, or to press his warm trembling lips against her cool still ones. He could not believe that his partner had done this.  She would never relinquish control and whatever verdict was announced it must have been one that she was not prepared to suffer.  He knew why she had decided to take her own life.  She’d done it as a matter of honour. Her own.  No one could control Madeline’s destiny; no one but her alone.  He’d learnt that years ago and Madeline had demonstrated that in her final show of defiance towards Mr. Lambert and those gathered in the Committee Room.  She went out on her own terms.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Then it dawned on him that he would never see her again. She was gone … Madeline was really gone.  Now he was alone to face the music in this cold sterile, emotionless room, the room that had her presence all over it.  Madeline’s happy place was being in the White Room torturing terrorists with some new procedure that would elicit the information out of them that Section needed. She relished the mind games with their victims who had no chance of besting her at her interrogation techniques.  Madeline was the queen of this room and along with the Torture Twins she got the job done, then she walked away with no feelings for the defeated foe left sitting in this very same chair.

“Dammit, Madeline!” Dougal said aloud, his voice an angry whisper in the silence of the sterile room.

 Now, where did that leave him? He immediately thought back to his session in the White Room with his brother, Colum and the words he had ominously declared. “You are here merely as a forewarning that this room just might be the last place in Section that you see.”

He’d already warned him that he would not leave this room alive.  He knew that to be the truth. However, he really didn’t care one way or the other now. Madeline was dead and no doubt he soon would be as well. What better place to breathe his last breath than in the room with Madeline’s ghost hovering over him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 

All the years they had co-governed Section One, all the years he had pursued a relationship … one she really didn’t need or want … all came flooding back.

His feelings for his second in command were not something that was mutual. Although they bickered and fought from time to time it seemed that his emotions were more one sided.  Madeline tolerated him but romantic feelings were his and his alone.  She was always coerced into a relationship that she really didn’t need or want. It was more for appearances in front of his brother. Their liaisons in the Tower were platonic on her side although he wanted more from her but she was not willing to give him what he wanted. And so, they co-existed in Section as partners.  As leaders, theirs was a strange symbiosis but one that they both used for their own advantage.  

They had been passionately involved at one time despite Madeline's objections. Perhaps he could not tell the difference between love from power, but Madeline certainly did.  She was indeed the power in Section and he only now realised that was true.  There was always a volatile combination of wills between the two of them and one that Madeline always seemed to have the upper hand. He now realised that it was she who kept Section ticking over.  It was she who had the absolute power but she was content to exercise it through him. They had a messy personal relationship that at times complicated that hold of power.

Madeline was a woman who described desire as the ultimate weakness. It was hard for him to tell whether her reluctance to have an ongoing sexual relationship with him stemmed from her disdain for sex with him, or because she liked it rather too much for her own good. His ego took a massive blow because of this ongoing rejection from Madeline.  Because of it, their relationship was convoluted. Her devotion to him was unquestionable, but it was not romantic love.  They were not lovers. If there were sexual vibes between the two of them, it was only coming from one direction … himself.  Madeline didn't reciprocate. He could still remember her words and the definiteness of their meaning … "We serve a greater entity Dougal. We're not here for each other.” On occasion, his emotions often blurred his judgement, and those consequences were felt far and wide by all in Section.  It was Madeline who steadied the ship when he became irrational.  He trusted her to have his back and vice versa.  She was his voice of reason. Madeline knew him.  Without her, he was lost, for she was the strength he needed to fulfil his role as leader of Section.  Madeline was the power behind the throne and she knew it, as did he. 

In reflection, he just realised that she may have indeed planned it this way to avoid saying goodbye. Had she wanted to avoid his feelings? They had history in Section together but had she finally come to terms that he would be more upset at what she had done, than she, actually was?  They’d needed to present a controlled togetherness to Lambert and Colum, and they had even up until the moment they had been separated. He wondered what his reaction would have been had he stayed with her and faced their sentences together.  Now he would never know.  It all seemed so futile now. 

Despite their fractured relationship that served a purpose, and the fact that there really was no true love lost on her behalf, he still felt an emptiness inside him that she was finally gone and he was unable to say goodbye. He had wanted more from his partner, but he finally realised that Madeline was a tortured soul who was incapable of real love. His anguish spent, all that remained was the pain of knowing he would no longer have her council to guide him.

Nevertheless, he still felt empty.

“Damn you … Madeline!”   

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued Friday 9th September

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 225

SYNOPSIS:  Madeline’s demise at her own hand was not totally unexpected, as she had always done things her own way.  She gives an insight into her mindset before she took the actions she did and why.

Chapter 224 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

Madeline’s demise was no doubt a shock, but hopefully not too much of a one. Hope it was not triggering of any adverse emotions. THANK YOU all for supporting this story, for your insightful feedback and likes. 👋

CHAPTER 225

Section One’s Head Strategist and second-in-command, Madeline Sand, was defiant to the very end by deciding to take Fate into her own hands. It was the only way that she could have any control over the punishment she knew was forthcoming, and one that she was not prepared to face.  Sealing her own fate was her only way of avoiding recrimination.  Mr Lambert’s verdict rocked Madeline so much so that the only way to take back some of the control she thought she had was to evade the sentence that he handed down.  Rather than face judgment, she took the coward’s way out, rebelliously committing suicide without warning or explanation, instead of experiencing the Gelman mind altering procedure, as well as the terrifying torture she would have known was waiting for her in the White Room. 

To die for a cause ... was heroic, but in Madeline’s situation this was not the case. She was not brave, far from it.  She took the easy way out rather than face the consequences of her actions.  Her suicide was a major fuck you to all those gathered in the Committee Room, indicating her determination and stoicism to the very end by taking her own life, on her own terms.  Madeline was willing to kill herself, because she was not able to face the fact that she was to be put through a series of very difficult and unpleasant and torturous experiences in the White Room, as pay back for her crimes over the years. This was a terrifying thought to her, but taking that option out of the equation was her way of keeping her persona in the forefront. She would be facing a fate worse than death … humiliation and disgrace … and she was not going to let that happen. Thus, her cyanide capsule was her friend in controlling the narrative.

Rather than face the punishment announced, plus the public humiliation of those in Section One knowing her destiny with her ultimate execution, was an anathema to her. Before her sentence could be put into effect; her self-inflicted death would have caught them all by surprise.  If she could avoid this death and torture and loss of the one thing she cherished the most … her superior intellect … then that is why she preferred to do what she did. Loss of control over her mind was the one thing she was not prepared to relinquish, and she knew that is what would happen when they subjected her to the Gelman procedure. Her suicide would demonstrate her own stoicism and honour in the face of adversity. Not only that, but it denied those present the satisfaction of eliminating her.  That one fact was her last hurrah.

Madeline’s reflections before her decision …

In the White Room, she made vital decisions including who lived and who died, while on occasion it was she who pulled the trigger to carry out a cancellation, but now the tables had been turned and it was she who was destined to die.

Henry and Elizabeth’s torture orders would be comparable to the fate she'd inflicted on many terrorists which were relentless until they cracked and were executed. She knew of the torture twins’ expertise in all kinds of ways to make a person suffer.  She had trained them after all and knew what they were capable of.  Thus, she was not prepared to be on the receiving end of their tactics while they administered any of their tried-and-true signature practices.

The fact that she had given Henry and Elizabeth the orders to carry out their brand of interrogation on captured terrorists was enough incentive to control her own destiny. She was willing to sacrifice her own life to stay in control. The writing had been on the wall for both her and Operations, for there was no other verdict in this interrogation inquiry that would in any way exonerate them of their crimes.  The evidence the Head of Oversight had acquired was too overwhelming.   All their buried skeletons had risen from the grave and had been their undoing.  

Her last-ditch effort to use Operations as her plea of insanity was farcical.   She knew it, and so did all those gathered.  All throughout this inquisition she had woven a tale of delusion in her own head about Claire and Jamie. However, she was not prepared to even contemplate those scenarios.  She would go out on her own terms and surprise the lot of them … Which she decided she would.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Her thoughts couldn’t help but turn to Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” and the conflict between Shylock’s and Antonio. “Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh ….”

She knew those in the Committee Room would also want a pound of her flesh.

First Colum Mackenzie and Letitia Chisholm would enjoy seeing her squirm in the White Room chair as Henry and Elizabeth were ordered to make her cuts unbearably painful for what she had done to Letitia. It had taken years before Colum knew what exactly had happened to her.  Now that they had been reacquainted, by none other than James Fraser, she knew that his contempt of her was evident.  His dossier information on her on all the things carried out in secret, which she never thought would be discovered were now all exposed. There was no hiding the truth any longer.  Colum would also be seeking some chastisement for the assassination attempt on his life to rid her and Operations of his meddling in Section One affairs. The clarity of the situation all made sense to her now.  Colum had in fact used his unannounced visits to ascertain intel on them for this inquisition. How duped they had both been.  They treated his visits with disdain and inconvenience never realising that he had the jump on them the whole time.   

Then there was the Head of Centre, Quentin Lambert, who now had an overall picture of what misdeeds she and Dougal had carried out, from treason, treachery, manipulation of their subordinates and all their other sins of malice and deception. These in themselves were all punishable by the verdict he had given.  Over the years she and Dougal had lost sight of Section One’s ideals and had let power go to their heads at the expense of their operatives.  Thus, anyone who had discovered their domination plans were eliminated.  They could ill afford to be found out, for had they been, this decision would have happened long ago.  They had been clever enough to cover their tracks … but not clever enough to not be found out.  Now she and Dougal had to pay the supreme price of their decisions.

Although she bore some of the responsibility for these crimes, however it was her treatment of Mr Lambert’s niece that would be an entirely different matter.  He would certainly not be forgiving for what she had put Claire Beauchamp through with the Gelman procedure. The fact that it was a severe, debilitating mind changing method of control by eliminating her free will, her emotions, as well as a personality changing procedure, had not been underestimated by him. This procedure was barbaric and that fact that she had used it twice on two very strong and influential women in Section who were an ongoing threat to her and Operations could not be underestimated. The Head of Centre really had no recourse for the sentence handed down.  She had found out her fate and Dougal would soon discover his in the White Room for all the other horrendous miscellaneous actions he had done as well. 

That then left Jamie and Claire to take a final pot shot at her in the torture chair.  Would they in fact follow suit of Colum, Letitia and Mr Lambert or think that it was just enough punishment already given to her.  She had always known that James Fraser was undeniably the better leader for Section One.  It was this fear of him doing to them, what Dougal had done to Letitia Chisholm in usurping control of Section One that had resulted in their methods to control him through his partner Claire Beauchamp.  This was the ongoing threat that caused much of the angst they put him through with what they initiated. However, in retrospect and regardless if they had known of Claire’s association with the Head of Centre, they would have still done the same things.  Whatever it took, and regardless who suffered or died, their endgame was to protect their hold on supreme power at any cost.

She knew that James Fraser would take no prisoners, as he had on occasion when he himself was in charge of interrogating terrorists in the White Room.  If she was manacled in the infamous metal restraining chair awaiting torture, would Jamie carry it out or would he watch while Elizabeth and Henry carried out his orders?  Would he wish to see her suffer for what she had done to his partner? 

Nevertheless, her one and only hope lay with Claire Beauchamp.  She believed that Claire may just forgive her for her deeds in a last act of compassion.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As Section One’s Level 9 executive strategist, second-in-command, chief tactician, and psychologist she was Operations' closest ally and confidante. She was cold and efficient in the execution of her duties, which often involved using torture to extract information from captured terrorist subjects. But now everything that she’d been in control of had been stripped from her.  Her power had been eroded to such an extent that she had no control whatsoever over her fate, that is, unless she took back that control.  

All throughout her leadership, she had been a master at manipulation, and she used this skill to control her underlings in Section.  Because she knew the psyche of each operative inside and out, she could push the right buttons to get what she wanted from each one, every time through the fear of the power she held over them.  She liked it that way. However, that had all eroded because it was Claire Beauchamp and James Fraser who had ultimately threatened her control within the organization.  Her tampering and manipulation of these two exemplary operatives had been her downfall. It was her "Type One Directive" against their romantic partnership that had kicked off a chain of events that even she was unable to predict, events that eventually forced her to make choices that had major repercussions for the future of Section One.

Her power centred around the perception that the limits of her knowledge and abilities seemed infinite.  But this had made her overemphasize her vanity in her achievement in demonstrating that persona.  Pride came before a fall, and fall she had, with the knowledge that Murtagh Fitzgibbons had bested her opinion of herself.   She had an overinflated ego and because of this, she had abused her control over Jamie and Claire in particular, by using her keen insight to pry deeply into their minds.  This was her modus operandi, but it had ultimately led her to where she was at this very moment in time … defeated.  Her power and control had been decimated, thus hearing the severity of her sentence was something she was not prepared to accept.

Condemned to die, she knew that her demise would not be pretty. Given all that she had done over the years and especially what she had put Claire Beauchamp through, she was aware that the Head of Centre would like to prolong her torture to make her truly suffer.  And suffer she most deservedly would.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She had been given an outline of what her judgement would entail, humility, tried and true torture techniques as well as being subjected to the Gelman procedure, but in her mind, this was the worst of all the decisions.  She valued her Machiavellian mind and her superior intellect. The thought of having that erased with the same method she had used on Claire Beauchamp and Letitia Chisholm, was a punishment worse than death.  

Her mind power was the strongest and most useful power she possessed.  She relied on her intellect acumen and used her keen perception to pry deeply into the minds of others. Her cold intelligence coupled with her brilliance as a perceptive strategist, could manipulate everybody without any feeling of remorse or hesitation.  It was this power, together with her imagination for unusual and devious ways of making people conform, whether in the White Room or within Section, that was at the forefront of her success or failure. Her shrewd schemes conjured up opportunities that she and Operations embraced, or when these plans placed obstacles in the way of their success, she then had to manoeuvre a way out of the situations.

She highly valued her mindset, and Operations relied on her uncanny perception to make things happen.  Being subjected to the Gelman procedure would erase all that she held sacrosanct. Her mind was the most powerful tool that she used to indicate and evaluate all levels of success. Her manipulation of others, even Operations at times, relied on her influencing the physical well-being and the emotional state of those in Section. She was always one step ahead of others, always plotting ways that would see her and Dougal outsmart all enemies, and it was her mindset that plotted their strategies for power. Her brain was the inscrutable weapon used in planning all strategic stratagems as well as mission and personal profiles done in Section. To have all of that taken from her was unthinkable.

Through her mind games she was able to keep control of those who feared her authority but it was her enigmatic persona that was not easily deciphered. Within the White Room she loved matching her wits against the captured terrorists, knowing that she had the upper hand, and because of her cool demeanour would throw the targets off centre. She had personal ambition to rule with an iron fist, and was a dangerous adversary to all who stood in her way.  It was her way or the highway. If operatives wouldn't make those sacrifices willingly, she had no compunctions about manipulating or even coercing them to do so, as in the case of Claire Beauchamp.

Unfortunately, Colum’s dossiers had uncovered her manipulations for which she now had to pay the ultimate price … death in the White Room.  So, as a profiler and head strategist, she’d weighed up all the scenarios in her head before deciding to take the action she was about to do.  The shock of her decision would remain with those gathered for she had taken back the control she had forfeited during this interrogation.   

Hence, she would chart her own destiny now. 

When she and Operations had been placed in this situation in the Committee Room, she had never once thought things would amount to what they did. In retrospect, Colum Mackenzie had held all the cards as to their fate. She and Dougal were always doomed from the start for the evidence was irrefutable.

She had held steady with all the accusations read out, but the straw that broke the camel’s back, was the information about Murtagh Fitzgibbons. This knowledge that their munitions expert was the spy within Section One was one of total humiliation for her. The fact that he had well and truly flown under the radar, right under their noses by stealth, and surreptitiously gathered intel against them both like an invisible apparition, had gnawed on her mind.  People in Section were ghosts to the outside world.  However, she had never thought that Murtagh Fitzgibbons would also been a clandestine ghost within Section itself, and one that had worked against them so successfully. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Stunned into silence on hearing her sentence, she couldn’t deny how she failed to recognize Murtagh Fitzgibbons as the mole. It only went to prove that she didn’t have her finger on the pulse of the comings and goings at Section from those in specialist positions as she had thought she did. Fitzgibbons had certainly been the one who had used his smarts in a way she had never ever expected.  This fact shocked her to the core and rattled her perceived stronghold over all their operatives. Her arrogant belief was that she and Operations had total control over all in Section, but this had been shown not to be the case. Mistakenly thinking that she knew everything happening 24/7 in Section really knocked her for a loop.   She’d always believed that she knew what operatives thought, knew how to manipulate them by fear of cancellation for hers and Dougal’s endgame, and could further their goals of total power any way they saw fit, had now been confirmed misguided.  Finally realising how ignorant both she and Operations had been regarding Murtagh Fitzgibbons, it was this final humiliation that had tipped the scales in the decision that she would make.

So, she would take the easy way out knowing she was going to die in the most painful and humiliating way possible, while realising that no one would miss her or mourn her passing, except maybe Operations.  However, at the same time she was egotistical enough to believe that when she was really gone, then it would hit home that they would indeed miss her in some way.  She was now on her own as she had always been … making her own decision to suit her own agenda. However, under the circumstances, would it be surprising to those there that she chose to go out on her own terms?  

The aftermath …

The cyanide capsule Madeline had ingested deliberately contained a fatally poisonous substance that was fast and lethal.  Her death was quick.  It was all over in less than a minute. Mr Lambert and all those in the room watched as Madeline fell to the floor lifeless, but cared not that she had taken her own life.   When Housekeeping arrived, she was unceremoniously placed on a gurney and wheeled out of the Committee Room.

“I will miss her fortitude … and our battle of wills when I visited Section.” Colum Mackenzie stated a little pensively in retrospect.

“I believe that no one in Section will mourn her passing for all the misdeeds that she was responsible for,” Letitia added, stating a truth that was undeniable.

“Madeline was so ambiguous,” Claire said as well.  “She could smile so warmly, then two seconds later, shoot someone in the head with no emotion whatsoever in the White Room.”  

James Fraser was more philosophical.  “The content of yer character is yer choice. Day by day, what ye choose, what ye think, and what ye do is who ye become. Madeline chose her own path with her choices. She lived by the sword and now she has died by her own hand.”

The Head of Centre had the final word and made this statement as the gurney was wheeled away.

“Although Madeline was basically a psychopath with almost no emotion or empathy, the choices she made ultimately led to this happening.  She was neither truly remorseful nor repentant about the crimes she committed with Operations against their own people. Her punishment was justified for her wrongdoings but I am disappointed that she could not face her sentence honourably. On the contrary she chose to again buck against the system by doing things her own way.  However, whichever way her demise was achieved, the end result is still the same. She can no longer do harm and tarnish the name of this organisation and in particular Section One.”

Mr Lambert paused for a moment before adding, “Thankfully, we are now on the cusp of new leadership under James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp which will restore faith and confidence to all who serve in Section One.”

“And what of Operations Quentin?”

“I think it’s time that I made a visit to the White Room Colum.  Perhaps you may wish to join me, seeing that you have already seen to it that he has endured some punishment already.”

“Yes sir.  He needs to be told about Madeline.  I would like to see his reaction to that news.” Colum stated. He already knew that his brother would not be too pleased to hear that his second in command had taken her own life, while he was still faced with the prospect of a prolonged stint in the White Room.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued Friday 2nd September

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 223

SYNOPSIS: Colum Mackenzie takes his punishment out on Operations in the White Room for what he did to him personally, and the person he loved.  Meanwhile in the Committee Room, Madeline hears more damaging information from the witnesses.  She is shocked to find out who is responsible for helping the Head of Oversight with intel for his dossiers.

Chapter 222 and all other chapters can be found at … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations 

 *This can also be read on AO3

N.B.  This chapter contains some violence.

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CHAPTER 223(V)

Operations sat slumped in the White Room torture chair riddled with the pain of the incision that Henry had just inflicted.  He was ashen white; his skin was clammy and his body was trembling with the aftershocks of what had happened to him. 

As for what was happening in the Committee Room, he cared naught. He had not one thought for what his partner Madeline was facing.  All he cared about was the agonizing pain under his eye socket that was throbbing intensely. He had called Colum’s bluff and his brother had followed through much to his surprise once again.  He had ordered the incision the other day and Henry had again carried out another Torture Twin signature tactic.

In regards to Madeline, he knew she could hold her own in any situation and if she was able to find a loophole in any of the information, then she would.  The stakes were high for her having been the one to actually implement the Gelman program on Claire and he breathed a sigh of relief that his involvement was the lesser of two evils. Evidence from Jamie, Letitia and particularly Claire Beauchamp would not be easy to listen to, but Madeline had no empathy for anyone and she would certainly care nothing for the victim of this mind-altering procedure.

He knew that Section’s Head Strategist was a mastermind in dispensing torture of all different kinds to browbeat a terrorist. She knew all the ploys used by victims to try and avoid punishment so she knew how to react when the boot was on the other foot.  She was a genius in avoiding any blame for procedures they had used on their unsuspecting operatives, albeit James Fraser had always proved problematic.  But that still didn’t stop Madeline from testing new methods of control. When Jamie had returned to Section with Claire after he had reversed the Gelman program, they had been indifferent and just welcomed them back.  It was back to the drawing board for his partner to find a new way of controlling a couple that could not be controlled.  James Fraser had always managed to foil any and all attempts to better him in mind games.  Madeline truly had an adversary on the same wavelength as her, but one who could scuttlebutt her devious plans for Claire’s compliance.

So, he had no qualms about her facing the adversaries in the Committee Room.  He had enough on his plate with his brother’s revenge for the afront he had caused to him and his paramour Letitia Chisholm.

So far Colum had won twice but he vowed he would not for a third time.  Although the pain was killing him, he remained indifferent. He would not give Henry or Elizabeth or his brother the satisfaction of seeing him suffer.  He had a high threshold for pain, but the incision cut was in such a delicate area that the tissue flesh was severed deep under his eye and the throbbing was inescapable.  This cut was the deepest yet and the most insidious. There was no way that he could avoid suffering and the worst thing of all was that Colum knew that he was faking his indifference.  

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Suddenly the sound of his brother’s supercilious voice made Operations grimace with rage at what he had subjected him to. 

“Now!  This is just the beginning brother.  Don’t get too comfortable in that chair.  There is more that Henry and Elizabeth can do to you before I am completely satisfied.”

Raising his head Dougal Mackenzie practically spat the words out at his brother.  “Do your worst Colum.  I am not afraid of you or of Henry and Elizabeth.”

“You should be. Let’s just say that this is the appetiser leading up to Mr Lambert’s main course,” were his foreboding words.

Operations’ retort was cutting with scorn and belligerence.  “You haven’t got the guts to torture me Colum.”

“Test me and see Dougal. Payback is a bitch and what you are about to experience is just a small dose of what Mr Lambert will inflict on you once he takes his pound of flesh for all you have done.  You thought you and Madeline would get away with my murder, and that of Letitia as well, but our nephew James Fraser came to our rescue just in time.  You tried to have him killed along with his partner Claire Beauchamp on several occasions that I was able to discover, so if you think I am not capable of torturing you … then think again.”

“You have always been more bluff and hot air than action Colum.  Do your worst if you can. I endured Hanoi Hilton as a POW in Vietnam.  There is nothing that you could do that would be worse than those internment camps and the Viet Cong torture methods.  I suffered beatings, and prolonged solitary confinement, my hands and feet were bound and my hands tied to my ankles, so if it is pain that you want me to feel for the things I did to you and Letitia, then by all means do your best,” Operations sneered in retaliation.

“If that is your request, then I can comply. Remember brother that Mr Lambert will make you suffer too and perhaps even more painful than what you have described.  Could you bear that Dougal?”

Operations glared at him with contempt for if his hands were free now, they would be around Colum’s neck.

“Under the circumstances, he will torture you without remorse for what you have done … for treason, your lies, deception, lack of empathy, and no regret for your actions. More importantly he will be here soon to dispense his own brand of punishment for what you did to his niece Claire Beauchamp as well.”

Dougal Mackenzie’s face contorted with rage as his brother continued with his tirade.

“I know it and so do you that your end is near brother. You must remember me saying that this room just might be the last place in Section that you see.  Are you prepared for that scenario Dougal … that you won’t leave this room alive?  Now isn’t that a sobering thought?   Perhaps you should think about that as the pain courses through your body.  The pain Mr Lambert will order will be nothing like what you are experiencing now.  It will be far, far worse.  After all, you do know what Henry and Elizabeth are capable of.”

“Go to hell!!!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ignoring his barb, Colum Mackenzie directed his gaze to the Torture twins again.  This time Elizabeth approached the chair with a trolley bearing a selection of surgical bone cutting instruments as well as a pair of secateurs.  She stopped just near the Head of Oversight and waited for her instructions.  Operations looked down at the trolley and noticed medical grade stainless steel bone cutters, a scalpel, pliers with a heavy, pointed jaw, a bone hacksaw and rotary drills plus the garden shears that could cut easily and quickly through flesh and bone, laid out on the top of the trolley like Elizabeth was ready to assist a surgeon to perform an amputation. However, it was she who would be performing this task. Dougal glanced at the trolley, then at his brother, then at Elizabeth and swallowed the bile that had risen in his throat. 

“So, that is your next move is it Colum … torturing. and dismemberment to make me atone for my sins.”

Dismissing his brother’s response, Colum asked, “Which of your phalanges shall Elizabeth start with Dougal?  Your thumb?  Index finger?  Middle finger? I’m sure you have a preference,” was his unsympathetic statement.  He waited a moment for Operations to digest what he had just stated before saying, “What?  No answer?  Well let’s make this interesting then.”

Dougal Mackenzie gritted his teeth then replied, “You’re barbaric Colum!”

“This is to be your atonement for me brother. Surely you knew that you would be punished for what you did to Letitia and myself.”

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you Colum?  Does this make you feel important now that you have the upper hand? Well, you’re a weak man brother … How you ever rose to power in Oversight is beyond me.”  He sneered with disrespect, “Now you are hiding behind a woman to do your dirty work.  Not only are you barbaric, but you’re gutless too.”

Colum Mackenzie disregarded the words coming out of his mouth. “So, you have no preference.  Well, how about we start with your left pinkie.”

Operations scoffed at his brother with scorn lacing his words. “I see you have … grown a backbone after all brother.  That would be a first!”

As his mocking belligerent retort gushed from his lips, he glanced at the stoic torture twin as she canvassed the trolley before picking up the innocuous pair of secateurs. Her gaze rested on Operations’ face as she coolly lifted up his little pinkie.  As Elizabeth squeezed the handles of the secateurs over his digit, they cut through the skin and flesh of his finger.

This time as his guttural cry again filled the White Room, Operations’ head lolled back against the chair, his eyes rolled up in his head leaving only the whites of his eyes visible.  His scream bordered on a sinister laugh as Dougal cried out again as the pain from his partially severed finger added more severity to the pain he was already feeling. Dispassionately Elizabeth squeezed the secateurs again cutting through the bone severing his little pinkie finger which fell to the floor with a squirt of blood at Dougal’s feet.

“That will be all for now Elizabeth but when Mr Lambert arrives after I report back to him, he may issue orders that for every minute Operations refuses to answer his questions, you will cut off another finger or perhaps a toe instead.”

“Yes sir.”

Then turning to his brother Colum announced, “There is no way that you could get away with all the atrocities that you inflicted on others Dougal, and you know it. The Head of Centre will make sure that your punishment fits your crimes.  Take this time to think about how you will respond to Mr Lambert when he is here brother.  Think about your actions in regards to James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp in particular. If you can find it within yourself for some remorse, he may be a little more lenient with you. But I doubt it.”

With those ominous parting words, Colum Mackenzie left the White Room leaving his brother with a severed finger, a slash under his eye and prospects for more of the same when Quentin Lambert finally arrived.  It was a daunting feeling which sat heavy in his stomach like a lead balloon.

Meanwhile back in the Committee Room …

Colum Mackenzie had left his brother in the White Room contemplating his fate and made his way back to the Committee Room to report on proceedings thus far with Operations. Meanwhile Letitia Chisholm, James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp still had some information to relay. The intel they had already spoken of was enough for the Head of Centre to make his decision, but he listened intently as Letitia continued.

“As you know Quentin, Operations and Madeline planned to use this sinister procedure on all of their operatives. That is exactly what they would have done if they could. That kind of conditioning would have been a living death,” Letitia Chisholm added issuing a warning to their methods of control over their operatives.

“Indeed, it would have.  It was a godsend that Jamie was able to thwart their plans.” 

“I had no other options Mr Lambert.  I had to deprogram Claire while outmanoeuvring Operations and Madeline. The stakes were high and I couldnae fail.   I had to checkmate Operations and save my queen.  Claire was already under the influence of the drugs in her system and she was the antithesis of her true self. I ken that my Sassenach was in there somewhere, I just had to make sure I was able to bring her back to me.  It was because I loved her that I was able to reverse the program.”

Claire looked at her mate with tears welling in her eyes. She then looked at her uncle. “I know I hurt Jamie’s feelings when I was under the Gelman influence with what I said to him.”

“Do you recall what it was that you said my dear?” The Head of Oversight asked gently.

“I will never forget Uncle Lamb.” However, when she started to speak, her words cracked in her throat with emotion.  “I told him that I prefer this. No needs, no fears, no desires. I used to think you were like that. But you're not. You're weak. You should let them make you feel stronger."

Jamie leaned over and gave his Sassenach’s hand a squeeze. “Aye … but Claire didn’t mean it, sir.  It was the drugs that had addled her mind and stripped her of her emotions.  This was the robotic Claire not the empathetic woman that all in Section loved.”

“I can see how those words now upset you Claire, but that was not the real you talking.  It was the shell of the true you. At the time they were devoid of any emotion.  I can see why it was necessary for Jamie to move swiftly to intervene.”

“Like he did for me, Jamie had to kidnap Claire to try to reverse the effects of the Gelman process that would have had irrefutable consequences for this operative’s feelings in the long term. If not for Jamie’s intervention, Claire’s emotions would have been erased for all time.”

“Madeline and Operations showed little or no compassion sir. She once tried to convince Claire that Operations was in fact her father. No father, would ever sentence his own daughter to death ... more than once! Their beliefs were that Claire’s compassionate nature was in fact a weakness to her performance and by suppressing these feelings; they could make Claire be what she was not … an operative on the same wavelength as them.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Letitia knew that emotion, and anger in Jamie’s voice about what Operations and Madeline had done to his partner.  She was well aware of their methods only too well.  

“When the relationship between Claire and Jamie became more apparent, Section’s leaders feared that her compassion would influence him as well. Fears of rebellion by their two penultimate operatives would never be accepted, as total control of the two of them was their ultimate goal.  I think they were remembering their own coup in overthrowing my leadership from an Alpha male and his mate, Quentin.  They couldn’t stand the fact that Jamie and Claire were a formidable team who had great support from other operatives in Section.  This procedure was the beginning of making that happen.”

Letitia’s accuracy could not be denied and Mr. Lambert agreed.

“From what I have heard thus far, this procedure was certainly abhorrent. Using Claire in this repugnant way was reprehensible Madeline. I am appalled by your methods in manipulation of any operatives let alone my niece.”

“It was a struggle to deprogram Claire, Mr Lambert. She was resistant to all that I tried to do, but once committed I persisted until the task at hand was successfully completed. To ensure the success of the detox program I had tae control as much of the process as possible ye ken.”

“Could you explain your sequence of events in the detoxifying program Jamie?”

“At one stage I had to spit medicine directly into her mouth by kissing her as she would spit it out each time I tried to administer the detox.  Claire needed tender nursing, as when she started to shed the effects of the Gelman procedure it was a painful transition for her.  She needed all the love and care I could give. As Letitia has mentioned it was a protracted withdrawal program that I put my Claire through. It took patience, and more importantly love.  Her feelings for me had been erased and to get them back I had to show her all the love that I had for her to remind her of the feelings that she had for me too.  It was heartbreaking to see the pain my Sassenach went through in the withdrawal but I was determined to make it happen.  I knew that my Claire was in there somewhere I just had to let her ken that it was my love for her and vice versa that would make the pain go away. It was similar to what I had to do when Claire experienced her nightmares after her torture at the monastery by Karen Yee.” 

Meanwhile Colum Mackenzie returns from the White Room …

As they were discussing how Jamie was able to turn things around and bring Claire back to him, the Head of Oversight quietly re-entered the Committee Room.  Quentin Lambert looked up at him with a questioning look on his face asking ...  “Is it all done?” Colum nodded in affirmation and took his seat as James Fraser continued with his testimony.

“How did you manage to do the impossible Jamie?”

“Murtagh Fitzgibbons helped me smuggle an isolation chamber out of Section. Claire was still in a lot of pain, but it was the intimate sessions in there, in close quarters together, that finally saw my Claire come back to me.”

“You have a good friend in Murtagh Fitzgibbons.  He helped rescue you and Claire from the monastery when you were captured, didn’t he?”

“Aye, He did.”

“And when you returned to Section with a detoxified Claire, what was Madeline and Operations response?”

“Although I had succeeded in bringing my Sassenach back to me, we both had to gather our strength to return to Section hell.  I confronted Operations and Madeline upon our return, but a stalemate was negotiated with utter calm and complete insincerity.  They merely said, “Welcome back!” They were ambivalent as if nothing had ever occurred.  We had returned.  Claire was back to normal.  Life in Section continued as per usual.”

It was then that Colum Mackenzie announced a bombshell of information which caught all gathered by surprise especially James Fraser. However, Madeline’s response was one of shock and condescension.

“If I could interrupt for a moment Quentin, I think it appropriate now, that I mention that Murtagh Fitzgibbons was the one who had passed intel on to me for the dossiers.  Hiding in plain sight, he was the one who was able to manoeuvre his way around Section One with little attention, given that he has been a long-time member of the organisation.  As the eyes and ears of Section One, nothing much escaped Fitzgibbons’ perceptive eye. He was the perfect operative to carry out this task undetected. Murtagh was able to fit Section One with many hidden gismos that he had designed, such as miniature cameras, and listening devices that taped conversations between Operations and Madeline. This audio feed revealed some alarming Intel about the two of them which has been discussed at this meeting. Their plans were recorded and are on file at Oversight.” “Murtagh was in Section with you Letitia, was he not?”

“He was Quentin. He knows Section like the back of his hand and this would have been to his advantage for any espionage against Madeline and Operations.”

“However, that was not his main role in Section One. There is another reason why he is an important piece of the puzzle.”

“Really? And what was that Colum?”

“Murtagh has been keeping a staunch eye on Jamie and Claire too over time, and has had their backs from the get go. It was he who was thrilled that James Fraser had found a woman not a lassie to be his mate and his partner in crime in Section.  You see … Jamie is his godson, and he has been keeping a quiet eye over him ever since he was recruited to Section.  Murtagh’s quirky disposition was a great foil to Operations and Madeline and they never once suspected that their Munitions’ Expert could be an undercover mole in Section for such a long while without detection.”

“Undeniably this is intel that Jamie will need to digest Colum.”  His voice held disbelief but humour as well. “His godfather you say?”

“Yes sir. His real name is Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser. He is godfather to James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser, the son of his second cousin, Brian Fraser.”

“Excellent news Colum! Excellent news indeed.  I could think of no better man than Murtagh Fitzgibbons to have kept your nephew under his watchful eye.”

“Yes, there were none better than the man who loved Jamie as his own son.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The information was a different one to Madeline though. It couldn’t get any worse than the charges circling over her head …. But it just did. 

This was a humongous blow, not only to hers and Operations carefully controlled personnel but a blow to her ego as well. Murtagh Fitzgibbons had performed these clandestine tasks right under their noses. 

Well, there it was!  The old Viet veteran had been surreptitiously passing on Intel to Colum, Jamie and whoever else was in the chain of secrets behind their backs. She was kicking herself for her lapse of control over this operative who has seemed so insignificant except for his position in Munitions.  Thinking back to past events she knew why he wanted to go back into the field to rescue Jamie and Claire at the monastery.  It all made sense now. As James Fraser’s godfather, he needed to see for himself that they were alright.  She remembered the way he kept a fatherly eye over Jamie when he collapsed because he was shot.  Then there was the way he undoubtedly had set off the alarms in Section, although she and Operations had not been able to prove that he did. No doubt he had been snooping in classified areas he shouldn’t be in, with his wingman Fergus Claudel when the Breach occurred.  How had she and Dougal been so stupid not to know there was more to their antics than just entertaining themselves for shits and giggles? 

So Murtagh Fitzgibbons was the someone on the inside to help.

Along with his buddy Fergus Claudel, he was the biggest busybody in Section. But he seemed harmless.  How she regretted that assumption now that Colum had stated this information, never realising that he was more dangerous than Frank Wolverton-Randall had ever been. She and Operations took great satisfaction in the way they ran Section. Nothing much escaped them. So, to think they had let their Munitions’ Expert perform these clandestine tasks and slip under their radar was an anathema to her, especially as she considered that she had her finger on the pulse of Section One.

Murtagh Fitzgibbons had sealed her fate well and truly.  She was gone for sure now! There was no way in hell that she could turn any of the testimony around. Throwing Operations under the bus hadn’t even caused a whimper, just a snigger of unbelievability. Anything she had said had been taken with a grain of salt. 

All that was left now was to hear her sentence.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~to be continued Friday 19th August