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Chapter Text

“Yeah right?” She rolls her eyes, “time travel. What are you smoking?” She places the stack of folders beside the other teetering stack. As a historian who is both writing a book and teaching a university class, the paperwork never ends.

The older man chuckles. “I assure you ma’am I am not joking,” He runs his hand over his goatee and then over his bald head, “The British government doesn't joke. We haven't been issued a sense of humor.”

Well, that is true enough, she thinks.

“What do you need me to do?” It would be an interesting diversion from all the everlasting paperwork even though she doesn't believe a word he is saying.

The man, who introduces himself as Dougal Mackenzie from Her Majesty ‘s secret service, had sat before her spinning an amazing tale of a machine that can time travel. She thought she was being puked except for the sternness of the man in front of her.

“We have a military man. We need an historian to…” He shrugs, “it is easier to see than explain.”

“Alright. What the hell.”

She rises and follows Dougal Mackenzie out. It will be a hoot if nothing else.

***

“Say again sir?” He turns his head causing his red curls to fall across his face. He pushes them back impatiently. Having come off a SSA mission that allowed him to grow out his military cut, he really needs a trim. Those thoughts fly out of his mind at what the commander in front of him said.

“You are being assigned a top secret position in a time travel experiment. You will be the military officer, assigned with protecting the historian and the pilot of the vessel.”

Major James Fraser, Jamie to his mates, sinks down into the seat, losing his strict military bearing. It isn't a joke. The British military doesn't have jokesters, not at this level.

“Will you accept this assignment?”

He swallows hard before nodding. “Aye sir.”

***

She is transferred to an underground bunker, guarded by some fierce looking military men. The man who is escorting her, nods to them as they walk by.

A tall woman with amazing chestnut color hair greets them. Beside her stands an even taller man with a head of red curls. He also has a military bearing. Beside them is an average looking man, who sways in a nervous manner.

“Miss Duncan, the historian, Miss Claire Beauchamp. Miss Beauchamp, the project leader, Geillis Duncan, the military liaison, Major James Fraser, and the pilot of the vessel, Mr. John Grey.”

“It is very nice to meet you, Miss Beauchamp. You come highly recommended.”

“Thank you Miss Duncan. Recommended for what?”

She smiles, her green eyes sparkling. “We aim to right the wrongs of history.”

“A real life Quantum Leap, ma’am?” She and Miss Duncan turn towards the liaison, Major Fraser. His Scottish accent is very thick.

“With a bit more control. That is a good way to put it.” She answers.

“Alright. Is this some sort of elaborate joke?” Claire has had enough.

“No, Miss Beauchamp. It is very real. Shall we show you?” It is the pilot.

“I think you better, sir.” he nods to Mr. Grey.

“Alright, you both need to sign some NDA’s and then we will show you.” Dougal Mackenzie returns to the conversation.

The two share a look and Claire shrugs. He nods and they both read and sign before they are moved to the next room where they are confronted by a big square box that has a drawbridge type door. John leads them in.

Chapter Text

They take seats in the strange machine John in the pilot seat.

“Now what?” Jamie asks.

John looks back at him. “Strap in, both of you.”

They move to do it, struggling some with the sheer amount of restraints.

“There is less in a bloody Helo.” Jamie grumbles as he fastens the last one before looking over to see the historian doing the same.

“You will be glad of them,” John chuckles, “ we shan't go far, not for the first trip. Just a week in the past.”

A few buttons are pushed and suddenly it feels like the world falls apart around them. The sense of disorganization is jarring. The many straps keep them in their seats as the machine transfers them back a week in time.

She slowly opens her eyes, willing the dizziness away. From somewhere to her left, she hears John laugh.

“It will get easier.”

The other newbie mumbles a curse. She slowly turns her head towards him. Does she look as pale and wan, she wonders?

“Come.” John rises and, after a few minutes, the others are able to join him.

“Oh,” she breathed out. They are at an outdoor café. It is a scene she is quite familiar with. It is, after all, where she got engaged. With amazed eyes, she watches as Frank places the ring on her finger after she had said, yes, “can they,” a quick shake of her head, “can I… will I be aware I was here?”

“No,” John answers, “it is like that Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol.”

“Ah. Okay, I believe you. We are in the past.”

“Yes, on our first mission. Continue to watch.” She frowns. This isn't something she is unaware of. It is a moment, a memory, she will always cherish.

Nevertheless, she does. She ( well the past she) leaves. That's right. She was called away. Frank is calling someone.

“She said yes. Oh no, she has no idea. Thinks I love her,” a chuckle, “orphans, such easy prey. Easily a few million. No, don't worry, my heart. She won't ask for a prenup. It wouldn't even occur to her before it is too late. A year after the wedding, I will divorce her and we will live freely the rest of our lives, Sandy.”

Jamie grabbed her as she went for his throat.

“We aren't really here. Not in his reality. I’m sorry Claire. Director Duncan wanted you to see, to know. She is all about protecting her people.” John softly says.

She is too frazzled, undone by what she overheard to strap herself into the seat. Major Fraser kneels down to help.

“I’m so sorry ma’am.” He keeps his head down as he works the straps.

“I really thought he was the one. That he loved me. We would have a future together.”

“It isn't your fault. It seems he is a right arse.”

“Yes,” she lets out the breath she has been holding since Frank rang Sandy. Bloody Sandy, his research assistant. That is why he had to spend so much time with her. That is what he told her, “Sandy is his research assistant. He is a professor who is having trouble getting tenure,” She shakes her head. Lost in her thoughts, she was unaware that he had her buckled in and has moved to secure himself, “that is why he told me she was always ringing him, while he had to spend so much time with her. How could I have been so blind?”

John joins the conversation.”Love is blind, they say. Forgive me lass. I understand you are going through a lot right now and you have my sympathies. We must return.”

“Right. Right.”

He makes sure the major has himself secured and then brings them home.

Chapter Text

“I’m sorry,” Geillis greets them as they exit the craft, “I wasn't about to let that man use you.”

Claire stares at her. A few hours early she had been engaged, happy, with no idea about time travel. Now, she is heartbroken and confused.

“You! Why is it even your place? I just met you,” a frown as something occurs to her, “didn't I? Why me? Why is your focus on me?”

Jamie stares at the woman, his new commander? It is a damn good question.

“I want my people to be secure. Not being used. Forgive us, but as part of our investigation of you both, we went back into your past, searching for anything that could be used against you.”

“You did what?” Jamie thunders, “who gave you the bloody right to be so intrusive?”

“The British government. This is not something we can take chances on. We had to make sure… look other than this situation with Mr. Randall, nothing concerning came up.”

“Christ Alive.” Claire mutters. She finds a seat, staring off into space, “I don't want to be thankful that you have saved me. I feel violated, icky.”

Geillis sighs. “Aye, I get that. It isn't something we did lightly. We thought about not letting you know but,”

Claire looks up. “I am glad you let me know. As disgusting as the way you found out was, I am glad I know,” a bitter chuckle, “well not glad but relieved. I will have to deal with him. Not sure how but…”

“Again, I am sorry.”

A sigh and wave.

“You didn't make him. Well, I,” a quick look at the military liaison, “we sure believe that time travel is possible. So now what? What are we going to be doing?”

She is thankful for the strange new job. It is one sure way to take her mind off the cheating bastard.

“Very good. There are many things in the past that, if done differently, would have changed things for the better. The idea is to make those changes.”

She focuses. “You aren't concerned that these changes will change the present and future too much?”

“That is the main reason you are here. We wish to make sure that doesn't happen. Each mission will be pre-planned with your guidance.”

“That is a huge responsibility,” she thinks for a second, nodding to herself, “but one I am anxious to take on. There are a lot of things, little things, that if changed, tweaked, would make a huge difference.”

Geillis smiles. “That is our thought.”

“You worry it will be dangerous?” Jamie enters the conversation.

“We never know what will happen. It seems prudent to have military liaison there.”

He nods. “Aye.”

“I need to deal with Frank. Do I have time to do that?”

“Aye. We need you here tomorrow morning at 8.”Geillis answers.

“Will you be alright, ma’am?” She turns towards Jamie, her eyes raised, “Will he be dangerous? Those types of men, beta men that use women, they tend to lash out.”

“Thank you for your concern. He isn't that type of man, “ she shrugs, “I am not telling him I know,” a nervous chuckle, “how in the world would I explain it. I am just telling him that I have changed my mind. That I’m not ready to settle down.”

“Will he buy it?”

“I really don't give a…I don't care what he buys or doesn't. He won't be buying anything with my inheritance, that is all I know, him or that little…”

Jamie smiles. Her self editing is charming as is her strength. She isn't breaking down. Most lasses would in his experience. His sister is the strongest woman he knows. Claire might be the second.

“Very good lass.”

Chapter Text

“My darling, did you have a good day at work?” He reaches out to kiss her cheek and she pulls away. He frowns.

“We need to talk.” She stands, arms crossed hugging herself. Ever since her Uncle Lamb died, two years ago, she has felt vulnerable, adrift. She thought the solution was the man standing in front of her. Knowing all he wanted her for was her inheritance ( both her uncle and parents had left small fortunes as well as several properties), was heartbreaking as well as just infuriating. She focuses on the anger not allowing herself to cry in front of him.

“What about?”

She works the diamond ring off and uncrosses her arms to hand it to him.

“Claire?”

“I am not ready for this. I thought I was but …”

“Is this a joke?” The hysterical pitch in his voice almost caused her to laugh. She fights it back. He backs away, refusing to take the ring back.

“No. It isn't. I realized I jumped into this. I thought you were the answer to my loneliness. I need to learn to be alone. To find who I am supposed to be.” As she says it, she realizes it is true. That is what she needs. A good excuse has become the truth.

“Bullcrap. What is his name?”

She stares at him, her mouth slightly open. Her hand closes on the ring, tightening into a fist in liu of throwing it at him.

“Are you bloody serious? You accuse me? I am not the one who is …”

“Who is what?”

“I don't have a Sandy in my life.”

“Please Claire, she is just my assistant. We have discussed this. Now put the ring back on.”

An order. It is all she can take. Deliberately, she lays the ring on the nearest table and walks out. Before she makes it fully out the door, he picks it up and hurls it at her. It hits the back of her head.

She ignores the sharp pain and continues out. When she reaches the car, she realizes that she is bleeding. Pressing a napkin on the wound, she lowers her head and weeps.

“What are you talking about Jamie?” She stares at him, her arms crossed. He sighs at her attitude. Truly, he was getting tired of it. The lass knew what his job was before they started seriously dating. This job, as strange as it is, is a wonderful opportunity to get a break from her.

“Gee, you know I can't tell you about what I am doing and where I will be. I can literally be placed in a military prison for telling.”

“Please, no one will know. Who am I going to tell?”

“I can't.”

She stumps her foot. He closes his eyes, taking another deep breath.

“It is a good excuse to be cheating on me.”

“Christ Alive Geneva. I am not cheating on you. It is my bloody job. If I could tell you, I would.”

“Fine!”

When he leaves the next morning, it is with a huge sense of relief.

His eyes narrow as he looks at her. There is something different, outside her no longer wearing the engagement ring. It is in her eyes. They are full of pain. His hands fist at his side. Seeing a woman in pain always gets to him.

“Are you alright, lass?” A stupid question as it is obvious she isn't. What he wanted to ask was what is wrong, beyond the obvious.

“I will be. There was a bit of a scene when I spoke to Frank,” her hand drifts to her head, gently touching the sore spot, “he didn't take it well, my breaking the engagement.”

He sees where her hand goes and the wince as she touches it. With a frown, he moves towards her, preparing to examine her head.

“What did he do?” His voice is rough but his hands gentle as he moves hers and sees. He slowly pulls in his breath and holds it, before slowly letting it out. It is a trick he learned from the SSA to calm down before responding to a situation that takes tack, especially when he is in a rage, as he is now.

“The ring,” A deep sigh, “he didn't take me giving it back to him well.”

“Bloody hell,” he mumbles, “you should've had it stitched.”

“I know. I was just so… I never saw that in him,” she chuckles darkly, “though then again I never threatened what he thought was his due from my inheritance.”

“You are free of him now though, right? You don't have to return?”

She nods before wincing again. “Yes, I have my own flat. Thank God.”

“Aye. Thank Christ. I would have happily gone with you and seen to him.”

This brings a laugh, just at the idea. “Thank you. I will let you know if it is necessary.”

He smiles darkly. “Please do.”

Chapter Text

“There is a man, a very evil person. Your first true mission is to prevent his birth.” They exchange a look.

“Ah, how do we go about doing that?”

“His parents will meet at a fair, in 1988, in Ohio. Your assignment is to prevent that meeting.”

“How evil?” Jamie asks.

“He grows up to become a prolific child predator.”

“Good enough.” He nods.

“Absolutely.” She agrees, though she isn't sure why they need an historian.

Something must have shown in her face for Geillis adds.” You will be going into a different time. Who knows what you will face. Having an historian around…”

“Makes perfect sense.”

“Right. The child was conceived the night they met. They spend no other time together…”

“So if they don't meet this night, they won't.” Jamie concludes.

“Just so.”

She gives him the details before they go to change clothes. She almost smiles at seeing herself, Jamie, and John in button fly jeans and polo shirts. Her hair is pulled back into a high ponytail. She feels like she is in upper school again. High sneakers complete the transformation.

They are given American money from the time period.

“So, I guess I distract the man and you or John the woman?” She straps herself in easier.

“Aye, sounds logical. How is your head?”

“Not too bad. How it will feel after this trip is a whole other matter.”

“Grand point.”

“Are you both ready?”

They answer in the affirmative. After a few seconds, or minutes, of having their atoms rearranged, the machine stops.

She slowly answers her eyes to find Jamie looking at her. “Are you alright, ma’am?”

“Please call me Claire. We will be working close together. I believe I am,” after freeing herself, she reaches up to touch the back of her head, “no blood. A good sign.”

“Aye.”

John stands, looking at his passengers. “We should have landed half a mile or so from the fairgrounds.”

“Very good.” Jamie replies.

“Let's go prevent this monster.” Claire answers.

“Aye, let's go.”

They all three step out.

Chapter Text

“No cell towers,” Jamie states. It is the first thing he notices, “no CCV cameras either.”

It is obvious they are in the right time. The craft landed a half a kilometer away from the fairgrounds. They start to walk towards it.

Claire is amazed at the old phone booths that they pass, the old cars, and the music coming out of the huge boom boxes that they pass as they walk through the neighborhood towards their destination.

She tries not to be obvious in her staring. The goal is to blend in, after all. The historian in her though…

“What is my role here?” John asks, “do I hang with you or Claire?”

“By yourself. Both Claire and I need to focus on the people we are trying to keep away from the other. Just have fun.”

Fairs haven't changed much from this time to there's. The major difference is the way the people dress and their hairstyles and the music that blares from the rides and stalls.

“Shall we split up and try to find them?” Claire asks.

“We know she is at the Ferris wheel and he is heading that way. It should be easy to spot.”

They all three look up. It is the highest structure other than the rollercoaster. Once they spot it, they split, with he heading directly towards it and Claire walking slower, searching for her mark. John moves towards the stalls, keeping his eyes on where the rest of his team is heading.

She spots him right away. Moving carefully, she bumps gently into him. He turns and she blushes and stumbles out with.” Forgive me. I was looking up at the roller coaster and wasn't paying attention to where I was going.” She flutters her eyes. He is smitten.

“No worries. I am alright. Were you heading to ride the coaster?” He had been heading to the Ferris wheel but …

“I want to ride it but am a bit scared. My mates all headed in different directions and I don't want to ride alone.”

“I would be happy to accompany you…”

“Elizabeth.” She puts her hand out deciding at the last minute to use her middle name.

“Nice to meet you Elizabeth. I am Jack, Jack Randall.” He takes her hand and she feels sick and not just because he shares the same surname as her ex. It is a full body reaction. No doubt that he would sire a monster. She forces herself to go with him.

***

She is a tiny little thing. Jamie feels a sense of protectiveness over her. He doesn't wish to see her raise a monster.

“Hello, I am Alex Fraser.” She turns and smiles at him.

“Very nice accent, Mr. Fraser. I’m Erin Dean.”

“Miss Dean, would you like to share a seat? I promise not to swing it.”

“That would be gnarly.” He prays that it means aye.

***

“God, I feel I need a full scrub.” She straps herself back into the machine.

“That bad, was he?”

She nods to Jamie. “And then some. Loathsome. I felt it coming off of him. Worth it to prevent whatever monster they would’ve made.”

“Aye, she was a sweet little thing. I am glad she will be free of his presence.”

“I wish I could've been but,” a deep sigh, “that is the job.”

When they arrive back, Geillis is there to meet them.

“Did we succeed?” Claire asks as they depart.

“Yes,” she waits a beat, “I’m sorry Claire.”

“For what?” It is Jamie who asks as Claire frowns at her. John joins them after securing the vessel.

“In stopping the conception of … well the target, you also stopped the conception of your ex. Frank Randall no longer exists.”

She doesn't know how she feels about this. Yes, they are done. Still…

Jamie watches her carefully. He doesn't see John watching him.

She sighs deeply. “The bad guy, was it Frank or just a relative of his?”

“A relative.’

She nods. “Okay then. The man, Jack, I could feel the evil coming off of him. Stopping anything that comes from his genes is good.”

“I agree.”

“Alright, now what?”

“A debrief. Then you are free to go. The next mission will be in three days.”

Chapter Text

“Are you alright?” He walks her out after their debriefing. John remains behind, seeing to the vessel's maintenance.

“I think so,” she looks out past the parking lot, “I didn't plan on seeing him again. It is just, well, it is weird that he doesn't exist anymore.”

“I can well imagine.” They slowly walk towards their waiting cars.

“We, myself and the team, are the only ones who will recall he existed. It’s hard to wrap my head around that.”

He nods. “You regret it?”

She doesn't have to think about it. “No. If, no sorry, as it stops the horror that the would have been victims would have felt, it is well worth it. If he was to be here, it was important enough, then he would be. God would have made a way, don't you think?”

“A smart way to look at it and I agree. That's how it would have happened.”

“So, no I don't feel guilty. We did what needed to be done.” They have reached her car. Both stop. She doesn't hurry into her car.

“Aye, we did.”

“Well, I will see you tomorrow.”

“Aye, sleep well lass.”

“Thank you, you too.” He watches until she enters her car and it starts before walking over to his own car.

***

“Who the **** is Claire?” He is startled awake, the threads of the dream slipping away as he stares at her, blinking his eyes as he tries to come awake.

“What Gee?”

“Claire. You were saying her name.” She sits up in the bed, arms crossed.

He sighs, running his hands through his disarrayed hair. “I was dreaming, Geneva.”

“About another woman!” Her voice screeches. It causes his head to pound.

“I cannot control my subconscious.”

“Who is she?” Her eyes are narrowed.

Another sigh. “My new job, she is someone I work with.”

“And you find her attractive? You want to **** her?”

“Well, she hasn't woken me up to interrogate me about a dream that I have no control over.”

She jerks off the bed, grabbing a pillow and a blanket, before storming off and into the living room.

He lays back down and is soon back into a deep sleep. She, on the other hand, tosses and turns on the couch the rest of the night.

Chapter Text

The next morning he wakes having made a decision. For a long time, he has been struggling with his relationship with Geneva. The sweet lass he first started dating and invited to move in with him, has changed.

Her jealousy, that at first he thought was kinda sweet, is now unbearable. He can do nothing without her believing he was seeing someone else. It is something he can no longer ignore or deal with. No, it is past time to end it.

His mind made up, he stands and walks out into the living room. She is sitting on the edge of the couch. Her eyes are heavy and it is obvious that she didn't sleep well.

“Geneva, this isn't working.”

“No, it isn't. You must leave this new job. I can't have you working with someone who you are attracted to.”

He is startled into a laugh. She stares at him, her eyes blazing.

“Christ Alive!” He is laughing too hard to finish and has to grab ahold of the side of the couch to hold himself up. After catching his breath, he is able to finish talking, “You and I. We are done.”

“What!” She screeches out and he has to struggle not to burst into laughter again.

“This has been building for a while. You know it. I know it. I have never cheated on you. Never wanted to. You can't accept this. I can no longer live with someone who doesn't trust me and,” he sighs, “who I can no longer trust. For I know what I am doing and not doing. This extreme jealousy has to come from somewhere.”

“So you are screwing her or what?”

Another deep sigh. “You have to move out. I am going to stay with Jenny and Ian for a week. When I return, you need to be gone.”

“Wait! Wait! Okay, okay, I was wrong. You aren't sleeping with her.”

He ignores her, heading into his room, shutting and locking the door before dressing for the day. Afterwards, he comes out to find her sitting in the same place, staring at her hands.

“I will be here this evening to pick up some clothes. Don't be here.”

He walks out.

Chapter Text

“Good.” His sister ‘s response to the news that he was finally kicking Geneva to the curb.

“Jen, I thought you liked her.” Ian says. He has no dog in this fight and just wants to see his best mate ( outside Jenny) happy.

“I support Jamie. She was his choice. It doesn't mean I like her.”

Jamie sits down on the edge of the couch in the great room. A sigh escapes him. “I appreciate that, Jenny. I really thought that she might have been her. You remember, she was so sweet. Loving. Seemed to understand that my job wouldn't allow me to be completely open. But lately, okay I shouldn't have yelled out another woman’s name but…” His sister and BIL share a look, “I was dreaming. Can't really control that. Nor can I control what I am allowed to say about my job.”

“I understand.” Ian says.

“Who's name?” His sister demands.

****
Claire sits at home, going through her phone ‘s photo album. It is eerie not to find pictures of herself and Frank. She struggles to get her head around the fact that he no longer exists. That in this new timeline, he never has.

It isn't just that her ex is gone, it is all that, that means. He was her first, her only lover. Yep, that is queer enough in 2025. She was raised with a kind of casual freedom that should have led to the opposite. But…

She believes that sex means something. That love has to be involved. It cannot be just a sag.

“Am I a virgin now?” she wonders aloud. There is no memory of anyone else. No pictures of another man and herself in her phone.

A half hysterical laugh escapes her. “Well maybe my second first time will be better.”

Frank was a competent lover. He has a routine he stuck too with almost religious fervor. It was all she knew but she imagined there was more to the act than that.

Chapter Text

“Are you alright? You seem distracted.” They arrive together after their days off.

He tries to smile at her. It wasn't as easy as he hoped it would be. She was there when he arrived to get his stuff. Another fight ensued. This led to Jenny coming out and staying until Geneva moved out. The fact it was four days before the deadline he set was a testimony to his amazing sister.

“I didn't say anything to her. Just watched as she slammed about packing her stuff. Oh, she had some things to say about you but I didn't take the bait.”

“A good thing. You could have taken her.” Ian had praised. She beams before her face falls again, knowing the rest of what she has to tell him.

“Aye. I almost did. Jamie, she was able to move out so fast because she has another lad in the wings.”

Even suspecting, now knowing it hurts. Aye, he was done with her still…

He comes back to himself to see her staring at him, her head slightly turned as she waits.

“Sorry I… it wasn't an easy three days. My girlfriend and I broke up.”

Her glance transforms from quizzical to sympathetic. “Oh Jamie, I am sorry.”

“She said she couldn't trust me but,” he looked down, swallowing, “but it was she who, it turns out, was cheating.”

“That is tough.” She places her hand on his back for a second.

“Aye,” his laugh is bitter, “I thought she was the one I would be spending the rest of my life with.”

“I get what that is like.”

He mentally shakes himself. She does. They are both in the same boat.

“That you do. Well, it is good we both found out before marriage.”

“It is,” they start in, “I had a strange realization myself during our time off.” She wasn't going to share this but, she figures it is a way to distract him from his own sorrow.

“What was that?”

“Well, Frank was my first and only. With him gone, I am technically a virgin. Queer, I have the memories but I know that if I go to have an exam, I would be physically innocent.”

As she hoped, that completely takes him out of his own head.

“Wow, that is strange indeed. I can't imagine being in your shoes.”

“It is a unique position.”

They walk in together.

Chapter Text

“How was your days off?” Geillis asks as they walk up. John stands by the machine. He studies them both.

Jamie's wince doesn't go unnoticed. Geillis raises her eyes. John tilts his head.

“Had some personal things to work out.”

She frowns. “I pray this new job wasn't the cause.”

He shakes his head. “No. It was something that had been brewing for a while.”

“Are you ready for the next mission?” She is serious. Her team is important to her. If her military liaison needs another day, he will have it.

“Aye. Thank you. I am good.” He needs the distraction.

“Claire?”

“I am ready. My days off were restful.”

“Very good. I know that John is ready.”

Her pilot nods. His eyes moved over Jamie, wondering what had happened.

“Alright. Jamie, this mission will rely mainly on you.”

This perks him up. A chance to use his skills is most welcome. “Aye.”

“We aren't making big changes. I shan't send you to assassinate Hitler, as much as I would like too.”

Claire speaks up. “I agree. History would be to far changed.”

“Just so.”

“But we are taking someone else out?” He declares.

She nods. “There is an underlyn of Himmler. He was responsible for killing a young boy who would have grown up to be someone important.”

Claire and Jamie shared a look. “So we can't stop all the camps but rescuing this one child will change the world?” Claire questions.

“Yes. By taking him out, we will improve the world.”

“Alright. Are we going in as SS?” Jamie asks. Killing a Nazi sounds excellent to him. It is just the thing he needs to do to get his mind off Geneva.

“It is the only way to get close enough. I know,” she saw the look of disgust on Claire ‘s face, “it is a lot to ask. We know exactly where he will be. You can be in and out in an hour.”

“The child, Jewish I presume, won't he just be taken out by another person?”

“A good question,” she turns towards Claire, “that is the second part of your mission, “you will be bringing him back with you.”

They all three stare at her.

Chapter Text

“Say again?” John says.

“That will be a huge change in history.” Claire adds. It bothers her, taking that child from his reality, no matter how horrible it is and bringing him into a completely different situation, it seems insane.

“Not that we mind fully rescuing him from that horrible life but…”

“If he was to die, how do we know what he will do?” Jamie completes.

She anticipated all their questions.

“It will be a huge change but a good one. We haven't just moved to the past but the future as well. Yes, he was to have died, but there is a reality where he didn't. A reality based on what you do in this mission.”

All three share a look.

Claire is realistic. Hearing what Geillis is saying, she can't work it out in her mind. As an historian, the idea that there are more than one history’s, no it makes no sense. Yes, even seeing it in action with the disappearance of Frank.

Jamie is different. As a man of action, it is more what is in front of him. What could have been, really doesn't matter.

For John, it is more than, “You traveled into the future? With who?” He thought himself the only pilot.

She nods to him. “At the beginning.”

“What happened to him or her?”

They all look to her for an answer.

“It got to be too much. It is better that she works in a different area.”

“You! You were the first pilot?”

She gives her pilot a nod and a smile. “I was. After a while, this gets hard on your body. Especially at first, when we were just starting out. We have made some improvements in the craft that have made it easier on you now.”

“That is why you know about the lad and what he will become.” Jamie states.

“Yes.”

“Can you tell us what he will do? Not that we won't go and fetch him, of course.”

“He will be the president of France and help broker a peace deal in the Middle East, his Jewish background a huge advantage in that.”

All three nod.

“Alright, let's get suited up.” Jamie says.

They do.

Chapter Text

Her stomach rolling isn't just due to the time travel. Her outfit with the horrible swastika on its label is nauseating. Looking at her co-workers, she sees the same look on their faces.

“Alright, game faces you guys. The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can be gone and the young lad can be free.”

“Absolutely,” Jamie responds, “and a bit of evil removed from the world.”

She has read about the camps, seen old videos of them. Still being there, smelling the death and despair, seeing the looks of surrender in the down turned eyes, it hits differently. Her stomach rolls again. Jamie, his jaw pushed to one side, his eyes stern, touches her arm, reminding her she wasn't alone. On his other side, John walks slightly behind, as befitting his made up position in the SS.

None of the prisoners lift their heads as the trio walk past. The man they are looking for is one of the guards. The lad they are to rescue will be arriving on one of the upcoming trains.

The fact that Claire understands and speaks Gaelic is helpful as he whispers to her out of the side of his mouth while keeping his eyes straight ahead. “You and John go fetch the lad. I will deal with the guard.”

“Understood.”

They have his name and an idea of what he looks like. They peel off and head towards where the arriving prisoners will be unloaded.

Claire lets John take the lead knowing that these creatures respect males more. With his blond hair, he looks more Aryan than she does.

“There will be a Jewish boy arriving by the name of Isaac Gold. He is to be given into our custody.” He tells the man minding the arrivals.

“Why?”

John stands taller, staring down at the other man. They have all been given high ranks, higher than the lower level workers that run the camps.

“It doesn't matter. He will be delivered to us, unharmed, or you will find yourself on the front lines.”

That did it. Claire tries hard not to weep as family after family comes off the train. She knows that only the smallest minority will survive. Young Issac will probably be the only child that does.

He is just a wee lad, looking so much younger than his given age of 8. He has huge brown eyes and a head full of brown curls. Claire’s heart gives a lurch at seeing him.

She kneels down in front of him. “It is alright. We are taking you away.” She tells him in French.

Taking his hand, she leads him out of the camp. She wishes she could take everyone else away too. John follows. By the time they reach the craft, Jamie has joined them.

Chapter Text

“What is that?” Issac clings to Claire as they walk towards the craft.

“It is a way out of here. I promise it won't hurt even though it will be a bit scary.”

“Ouí mílady. But won't they find us?”

“Not where we are going.”

“When.” Jamie adds in a soft voice. After seeing all he had, it took all his training not to kill more than his target.

“You wear their clothes!” He stares up at Jamie, his eyes are suddenly full of terror.

He could point out that so does Claire and John but knows it is his military bearing the poor lad is reacting too.

“Only so we could get in and rescue you. I promise, I am one of the good guys.”

“American?”

He smiles which helps transform his stern look. “Nae Scottish. British. An Allie.”

“Are you ready to leave here?” Claire asks.

“Ouí please.”

They help him in and strap him in while his wide eyes study the strange interior of the craft.

“We are going to travel very fast, so fast that they won't be able to follow. Not ever,” John is saying, “but this may make your stomach feel funny. It will only last a minute. Are you ready?”

“Ouí milord.”

He makes sure everyone else is strapped in. Claire takes Issac ‘s hand and she nods. He returns it and they are off. The poor lad screams out and is still screaming when they arrive.

Geillis hurries over to the craft. Claire releases herself and the child. He grabs her around the waist and won't let go. Jamie helps them both down.

He talks in a stream of French that he can't follow.

“Welcome Isaac. It will be okay.” Geillis greets him.

“Non Milady.” He is shaking his head.

“Isaac, you are in the future. The year 2025. You will do great things but only if we could get you away.”

He continues to stare at her. Claire kneels down, putting them at eye level.”I know you are scared and confused but I will be here. You will be okay. Let's get cleaned up, eh. That always helps.”

He just nods.

After the team is out of the horrible SS outfits and back into modern clothing and Isaac has had a bath and is in clean comfortable clothes himself, all feel better.

They decide he needs time and place him in a ready made room with a bed and toys and books from his time. The poor lad falls asleep while reading one.

Chapter Text

“Where will he go?” Jamie asks. They sit together after the debriefing. Claire was wondering the same thing and is glad Jamie asked.

“He has no parents or other relatives here,” it is one thing they had checked. Unfortunately none of his family had survived the Nazis, “so he will have to go into care.”

Claire just stares at her. “Oh that will go over well,” she rolls her eyes, “how are we to explain his presence and the fact that he knows absolutely nothing about this time.”

“A grand point. Add to that the fact that the poor lad is completely traumatized.”

That is exactly the reaction she was hoping for. She frowns, pretending to take their concerns into consideration. “Brilliant points. He needs to stay in the family.”

“He can stay with me.” Claire responds with what her heart is telling her.

Jamie looks at her with a frown. He understands her instinct but… “Lass, are you sure? It isn't like adopting a puppy.”

“I know,” she sighs, looking out past them and the concrete room they are in, “he needs someone who understands what it is like to be an orphan. Someone who knows the history that he was saved from and can guide him through this strange time. I understand him in a way no foster mom would.”

She turns to Geillis. Jamie is watching them both.

“Thank you Claire. This is what we hoped for.”

“Wait,” John joins the conversation, “you knew. Of course,” he shakes his head, “of course you did. You knew exactly where he would be living and who would be raising him.”

Now they are all looking at her. She holds her hands up.

“It was one possible reality. But Claire, it wasn't set in stone. If you hadn't chosen this, he would still be alright. If you change your mind he still will be.”

She thinks about it a second before nodding to himself. “I will need help with his Jewish religious training but otherwise, yes I will raise him.”

“Very good.”

Jamie makes it a point to speak with her later. He doesn't want her to do it on her own. Besides, the lad needs a father figure.

Chapter Text

“What are you doing?” He turns and looks at his pilot. John leans against the door frame watching him.

“What do you mean?” He frowns at the other man.

“It isn't good to dip your pen in the company ink,” Jamie frowns, narrowing his eyes, “ Claire, it is quite obvious that you have a thing for her. It is in every look.”

“What? I just want to help her with the lad. He will need a father figure.”

John grins, shaking his head. “So, she will be his mother figure and you the father figure. Huh? Just a suggestion but before you go and offer yourself to her and the lad’s service, you might want to know exactly how you feel,” his sigh comes from deep in his soul, “there is only so much they can control.”

His words bring to mind exactly what Jamie was thinking deep in his own soul. Why exactly were they all chosen for this mission? For their skills or for something else? How much of this is chance and how much was because of what they know?

“Quite. Thank you John. What really is this whole thing? Whatever it is, we need to work together, eh? The lad surely has nothing to do with this. He is innocent.”

“That he is. He needs all the help he can get. You helping him is a good thing. It is right. Just make sure you are aware of your own feelings.”

He has a good point. Jamie nods. “Thank you again, John.”

She sits beside the bed where Issac sleeps. He slips in, just watching her for a moment. John is right. It is more than the lad. There is a pull towards her. The problem is that with the missions, can he trust those feelings, that pull? They know, well more than it is wise for humans too. They have already manipulated Claire to raise Issac. How can he know they aren't using him to do the same?

“Your thoughts are so loud I fear you will wake him up.” She says, startling him out of his thoughts.

“Crips!” He places his hand over his chest.

“Sorry.” She grins and he can forgive her anything. Oh boy.

“Claire. We need to talk.”

Chapter Text

“That is never a good thing.” It is said with a touch of humor but she is frowning.

He wishes he could reassure her. Instead he takes a seat beside her. After a sigh, he says. “Aye. I was, well guess, still here to offer to help with Isaac.”

“I appreciate it.” She is still frowning. There is more. She can see it in his eyes.

“Well, he is to do great things and will need all the help he can get. Just adjusting to this time will be a major thing.”

She looks down at the sleeping lad. He is right. Little Issac will have to go through a lot to reach his destiny. “Goodness. How will he handle all this?”

“With your guidance and, if you will allow, mine.”

“Oh absolutely. Thank you.”

“You're welcome. Claire, ahh, this whole situation, don't you think it is queer? I mean,” he talks faster to get it all out, “they made sure to make it so you are single when they needed you to be. It is like they are controlling your life. It makes me feel icky.”

“Yeah. I feel the same. This job, from the beginning, was strange. Now though,” again she looks down at the lad, “with Issac, it feels more immediate, urgent somehow.”

“Why did you volunteer to raise him?”

He watches her chest rise as she takes a deep breath before slowly letting it out. “I really don't know. Something just… I was just drawn in. Like he was supposed to be raised by me. I have thought about it. Wondering if I am using him as a substitute for what I expected to have with Frank.”

“What have you come up with?”

“No. I don't believe that is it. It is more like he was ( Frank I mean) the one that wasn't to be a part of my life and he would have been a substitute for Issac. Does that make sense?”

“It does. That is a relief to me. I was worried that they were using you.”

“Thank you again for that.”

“I must tell you something…”

“Yes?”

Before he can answer, Geillis comes in. “I’m sorry but we have a mission.”

Chapter Text

“Bloody timing.” He mumbles under his breath as he leads her out.

“What?” She follows after checking on a sleeping Issac.

“Later. We will talk later.”

“Okay.”

He stands, arms crossed, staring at Geillis waiting for her explanation on why their conversation was interrupted. She senses his anger and nods in acknowledgement of it.

“Sorry about this but we have a time sensitive situation.”

“What is it?” Claire is calmer, unaware of his inner turmoil.

“There is an assassination that we need to stop.”

This gets Jamie's attention and takes him out of his own head. “Who?”

“An American president.”

“Lincoln?” A thousand thoughts go through Claire’s head. As much as she would love to save him, would it change history severely?

“No. A future one.”

“Then the Secret Service?” Jamie frowns at her.

“He isn't president yet. He will be if we stop this potential assignation attempt. Right now, he is a city councilman.”

“And he will be a good president?” Claire asks.

“He will.”

“If we can stop an innocent man from being killed, it is worth it, right?”

John senses the underlying tension between Jamie and Geillis. He imagines that their boss interrupted the conversation between him and Claire.

“A grand point. What time period are we talking about?” Jamie addresses Geillis.

“Not too far back. Just the 90’s.”

No need to change clothes then. She gives them all the information they need and they enter the craft.

John looks at him and he shakes his head. They both sigh as they strap in.

A minute later they were in New Mexico in 1998.

Chapter Text

City hall is where they are heading. The assassin's target is speaking there at a city council meeting.

“John, I want you to head to the council man while I deal with the would-be killer.”

“And myself?” Claire asks.

A good question. He doesn't want her in harm's way. He tells himself it is because of Issac. She is functioning as his mam. That isn't the only reason. But that isn't something he wants to deal with right now.

“She can help me. A man and woman approaching him might be less threatening.” John answers when Jamie hesitates.

It makes sense and the soldier nods. “That works.”

“Are you going to kill him?” Claire’s question turns his attention to her.

“I don't plan too. The mission is to stop him. If I can do that without taking his life, I will.”

“Good.”

They enter the building and immediately split up. John and Claire head towards the stage where the target sits with other council members. Jamie looks to where the potential killer is.

He spots him right away. His training allows him to see what others may miss. The sweat lining his brow. The ways his eyes dart. The hand that opens and closes over his pocket.

John and Claire approach the councilman. He looks up, frowning at the strangers coming up to him.

“Yes?” He puts on his professional politician smile.

“Mr. Harris, we need you to get off the stage,” she scans the others, “ all of you.” Just in case Jamie fails.

John nods. Smart.

“I’m sorry.”

Jamie approaches him from the side. “I know why you are here. We can play this one of two ways. You can surrender or I can take you out.”

“Your’e in danger sir. There is someone here who…”

All eyes are drawn to the back of the room. There is no mistaking a gun shot. All on the stage fall down their faces to the floor. In the audience, everyone scrambles, knocking chairs over in their rush to get away.

Jamie is calm. He expected the lad to go down hard. Anyone who would assassinate is committed to their cause, no matter how wacky it is. He was ready when he drew out his gun. A quick move has the gun pointed towards the floor and away from himself or anyone else.

When it goes off, it places a hole in the wooden floor doing no other damage. Jamie has the other man secured, hands behind his back and the gun falling harmlessly on the floor.

“How did you know?” The shaken man asks John and Claire.

“Our friend. He has military experience. When we walked in he saw his intentions in his mannerisms and actions.” John nods towards Jamie, who is explaining the same thing to the police, who has the would-be killer in custody.

“Thank God. Thank you all.”

An hour later, they are on the way home.

Chapter Text

“You didn't get a chance to talk to her, did you?” John addresses Jamie after they do their debriefing. Claire had gone to check on Issac.

“Huh?” He shakes his head, “ I did. She doesn't feel like she is being used. It seems like she feels like Issac was supposed to be in her life.”

“Very good. If that is true, but that wasn't what I was referring to.”

“If it is true?”

“I am just saying, her natural emotions could be manipulated. Not that I know that.” He holds his hands up.

“That is my worry as well.”

“Again though, that isn't what I was talking about.”

He totally focuses on John. “Alright, what do you mean?”

“Come Jamie, you know exactly what I mean. Your feelings for her, that is what you need to discuss.”

“What does he mean?”

They both jerk and look behind them where Claire now stands. Her head is slightly cocked and she is frowning.

“Claire, I didn't… I thought you were with Issac.” Jamie is blushing.

“Obviously. He is still sleeping peacefully.”

“Good. I am glad. He knows that he is away from that evil.”

“Yes, a grand thing. Now what were you two talking about?” She won't be distracted.

“I will leave you two to talk.” John is grinning as he leaves them. Jamie glares at his back before rearranging his face as he turns back to her.

“Okay, I know it is crazy, with all going on. These crazy missions. Issac. All of it,” she starts to tap her fingers on her thigh, “sorry. It is just… I don't know how to say this.”

“Come lad. Just spit it out.” She is smiling. It is amazing how that helps him relax.

“You're right. We are both adults. I have feelings for you. I am drawn to you. The timing is horrible. I know this. Yet, here I am. It is what it is. Oh man,” he drops his head, slowly shaking it, “I am not usually this incoherent. Claire, I am falling for you. If you don't feel the same, I get it. We are in the middle of something amazing. Extraordinary. You just left a serious relationship. So I get it if…”

“Shhhh,” she reaches out and lays her finger over his lips, stilling his words and speeding up his heart, “there is something. I don't know if it is the circumstances. Maybe, but it is worth exploring. Don't you think so?”

His excel tickles her fingers. “Aye.”

Chapter Text

“He is speaking to her.” He tells Geillis.

She nods. “Wonderful. Good job.”

“Now may I know why I inserted myself into his private business?” He hadn't wanted to, but when his boss insisted, he gave in, against his better judgement. Now he wants to know why.

“They are supposed to be together.”

Nope, it isn't enough. “Then they would have, right?”

“Maybe. It wasn't guaranteed.”

“Look,” he runs his hand through his already mused hair, “when I agreed to do this job I knew I would be a part of changing history, for the better. Being in the middle of my coworkers' privacy feels a step too far. Showing her the cheating bastard was different…”

“Now you are helping them get together, to have a happy life.”

“You don't see the difference? How disturbing this is?”

“Happily ever after is disturbing?” She arches her eyes at him.

“No but… I will pilot the craft but don't ask me to get in the middle of anyone else's private life.”

“It will be the last time.”

“There is more to this, isn't there?”

She simply smiles before walking away.

Chapter Text

“Before Isaac officially joins your family, or there is another trip.” He is saying to her.

The young lad, even with the government behind his placement with Claire, he still has to go through the system to an extent. It will be a week or so before he is regularly at her home.

“Makes sense. It would nice to talk together without it being about all this.”

“Very good. Tonight?”

She grins. “Tonight will be wonderful.”

Even with everything going on; how she was to mother this out of time child, what is going on with these queer trips, still she finds herself nervous as she dresses for this date. Her cat, reacting to her nervous energy, meows from his perch on her bed.

“Well George, what do you think?” She turns towards her feline critic. Wearing a mid thigh black dress she twirls. George yawns and lays his head back down on his crossed paw, “well, I like it.”

When the doorbell rings, she jumps. “Relax, “she firmly tells herself, “it is just Jamie.”

Taking a deep breath, she walks towards it.

“You look amazing.” He pulls the chair out for her. With a smile, she sits and he gently pushes her in.

“Thank you, once again.”

He flushes as he takes his own seat across from her. “I have said that before, eh?”

“A time or two.”

“Aye, well it bears repeating.”

A flush rises across her face. “You are very kind.”

They talk about their childhoods.

“For real?” Her eyes sparkle as she leans across the table watching him.

“Aye. I really thought I could fly. If it wasn't for my tattletale sister, bless her, I might not be here with you today.”

“What a tragedy that would be,” she says, “thank God for Jenny.”

“Aye.”

“Did you ever try it again?”

He shakes his head. “Nope, not after the discussion my dad had with me. I can still feel his belt across my bum.”

“Ouch.”

“So, he was your first?”

“Yes, and only.” It still freaks her out to think about this.

“A strange thing, indeed.”

“How about you? What is your body count?”

“Two.” He says with a straight face as he tears the roll in two, placing a bite in his mouth.

“Two? For real?”

He nods as he swallows.

“Aye, my first at age seventeen. A lass that lived near us. We fumbled about in the barn. I had no idea what I was doing,” They shared a laugh, “the other was the woman who I finally broke up with.”

They eat and talk for hours. A great first date.

Chapter Text

“It is going well.” She talks to an unseen and unheard person on the other end of the phone. Sitting behind her desk, her feet up on it.

She listens for a while then she nods.

“Yes, they are on a date right now. He will be with her within a few weeks. I know but even so he has to go through the system.”

Another nod. “Every day. Yes she is fully bonded with him. Him as well. Issac? Still in a bit of shock but getting better daily. He is here with me right now. Sleeping down the hall. Of course. Several guards are with him.”

She sits up a bit more, dropping her feet down on the floor.

“I think we should let them work it out naturally.”

Listening for a few more minutes.

“I understand. But I can't see what else we can do?”

She nods as she listens.

“We know what will happen. Is it that important that we press it? I’m just saying, they are brilliant people and if we press it… exactly. They might get suspicious. We can just let this happen organically as we know it will.”

A few more minutes of listening.

“Absolutely. I will keep you informed.” She rings off.

Leaning back in her chair, she smiles up at the ceiling. Yes, everything is going swimmingly. Just as it was planned.

Chapter Text

Her spare room is becoming a bedroom for Issac. She keeps the full bed but changes the linen removing the flowery sheets and bedspread for a more neutral blue and adding a couple more pillows. The dresser and closet is filled with clothes fit for a little boy.

She adds a throw rug designed with roads to drive little cars on. A toy box sits against the wall. It is full of balls, little cars, and action figures. The other wall now has a bookcase and it is full of classic and newer literature. The window is dressed in a shade and curtains that match the bedspread.

A small desk opposite the bed with an adjustable desk lamp and a small desk chair completes the change from a spare room to a place fit for a little boy.

She places a plague with his name on it on the other side of the door. The room is ready.

Now, is she?

She isn't sure. That he was to be with her, that she has no doubts about. Whether she could do it, that is a whole other story.

She closes his door, running her hand over his name. Her son.

“My son.” She says it aloud. Then again. “Issac, my son.”

Some of the deep worry in her soul lifts, replaced by a growing anticipation.

A knock on the door has her jumping. She wipes her sweaty hands on her jeans before heading towards it. Looking out the peephole, she smiles. Her hands shake a bit as she unlocks it.

“Hi.” She continues to grin at him.

“Hi,” he lifts the bag he carries, “I thought you might have been too busy to cook.”

The smell of fresh sushi rises up causing her stomach to grumble. How long has it been since she ate? Looking at her watch, she realizes it has been close to 12 hours.

He grins at her look. “Seems I was right.”

“Absolutely. Thank you, Jamie.”

She leads him into her kitchen. He sits the bag on the small table as she gets a couple plates down and some silverware out.

They take seats and he empties the bag. Her stomach grumbles again.

“Please tell me you ate breakfast at least.”

She nods as she starts to fill her plate. “Yes. Eggs and avocado on toast. Just got too busy to have lunch,” she nods to herself, “in truth I forgot too.”

“You want everything perfect for him.” He fills his own.

“I do. He has been through so much,” she takes a bite and lets out a low moan, “this is so bloody good. So much. I want him to be happy and safe here.”

He reaches out to touch her left hand that lays beside her plate. “He will be with you. He will be brilliant.”

She is still nervous but not nearly as much. His words, his touch, his care for her; that is exactly what she needed.

“Thank you.” She turns her hand squeezing his.

After they eat, she shows him the prepared room.

He stands and looks. She watches his face. It slowly transforms into a huge smile.

“This is perfect. He will be ecstatic.”

“Truly?”

He places his arm around her, squeezing her to his side. “Absolutely.”

The last part of her tension drains away and she rests herself against him.

Chapter Text

“It will be quick,” Geillis assures her, “I know that Issac will join you tomorrow.”

They were called in for a mission just a few minutes after she showed Jamie the room.

“Alright.” She knows she won't get much sleep tonight anyway.

They drive in together. John greets them.

“How are you doing, Claire?”

“Good, John. A bit nervous but…”

“I would be surprised if you weren't. That shows you will be fine.”

“I agree.” Jamie says.

“Me too,” Geillis adds, “are you ready to hear about the mission?”

“Yes.” Claire answers for them.

“Good. There is a couple that needs to meet. “

“We are tasked with making sure they do.”

She nods towards Jamie. “Just so. We have some outfits for you.”

“So not modern time. When are we going?” Claire asks.

“The seventies. 1971, to be exact.”

They go to change clothes. There are smiles all around as they see each other.

“Groovy lass.” Is Jamie's response to seeing Claire in the multi-colored minidress.

“Back atcha.” He and John wear bell-bottoms and bright linen shirts.

“They will be at a disco,”she hands them all old Polaroids of their queries. They also get sheets with their information on them, “they are to meet and fall in love tonight. If they don't, important people won't be born.”

“Gotcha.” Jamie says.

“Let's go.” They follow John, strapping themselves in. They are soon on the way.