Story Statement/Premise: The bulk of this story takes place immediately following "Not To Be", the final broadcast episode of "Highlander : The Series". In 1998, having defeated a great many nearly rabid vengeance-seekers, Duncan Macleod is reborn. Just as in 1992, when a visit by Connor sort of nudged him back into the game, Duncan is prepared to perhaps hang back for a time-be it a year, or even a decade-so long as he keeps his sword on hand, it really doesn't matter, since returning kinsman Connor is one of a handful of people who could definitely take him. But Connor does not return empty-handed. He has with him a new protege for Duncan, the man known as Radar O'Reilly. Duncan met Radar during the events depicted in "Dear Connor", in which he visited the 4077th MASH. Radar, of course, has not aged a day since his death in 1952. Are they prepared for one another? To be fair, just think of Christopher Lambert's tag-line. And yes, Radar's old friends will show up-with some surprises of their own.

Prologue - Lost And Foundling

Iowa, 1932

There wasn't much that Terrence O'Reilly wouldn't do to make his wife Edna smile again. But there was also nothing he could do to make that happen, in light of their loss. He blamed himself, and he blamed Edna, and their old-as-dirt car, and even the Lord. But self-pity or blasphemy aside, there was no getting around a simple fact. Their infant daughter had died at the doctor's office, and part of their hearts died with her.

No one had known Edna was expecting. She always worked so hard and wore such dowdy clothes, no one ever would think such a thing of her. The Doc hadn't even been at his office, even if they had been in time. So, lacking burial funds, they found a spot on the far reaches of their land, and put a small marker over the mound of dirt. They were both so numb that tears would have to come later, when they were home. As Terrence drove, he stopped at the sight of two men with an overheated car.

"You boys need a lift, and some water?"

"Yes, sir. I'm Jerry, and this is my friend Joe. We're comic strip artists from Cleveland, and we kinda got lost in this beautiful country of yours."

"Yeah, I can see how that'd happen. Listen, Edna, these fellas can hop in the...eh? Now where'd I put the Missus?"

Edna O'Reilly had wandered off in a daze, more shaken by the death of her daughter than she cared to admit. She knew that she couldn't have another-this pregnancy had nearly done her in a few times, and Terrence was getting on in years. No, her miracle had been denied, and that was that, she decided.

But miracles are funny things, and sometimes, they simply will not be denied. Edna saw a flash of blue light in the distance, and was drawn to it. Sitting on a stump was a Round-Collar--A Catholic Priest.

"Hello, Edna. It's good to see you again."

"Have we met? Cause' I don't know too many Catholics, cept for the ones I know, and I don't know you from Adam."

"Oh, my. I forgot. We haven't met yet--but we will, in about 25 years or so. My people have always had a problem with this whole linear time concept. I have something for you, Edna. Or should I say--someone."

The odd-talking Priest then held up the most beautiful thing Edna had ever seen- a baby boy, swaddled in red and blue cloth. He handed the baby to her. Bonding was instantaneous, and Edna would fight the man to keep him, if she had to.

"Is this baby yours? Or is he mine, now? Oh, yeah. You are so handsome. I love you, little guy. Mister, please don't take him back. I couldn't bear it if ya did!"

"It's all right, Edna. Just please don't tell Walter about me being here. I'll tell him myself, when the time is right. Hmm. Now I could tell him at the Reunion in Tokyo, or at the Pierce wedding, in 65'. Piece of advice, Edna. Don't ever start time-traveling! It's deucedly confusing."

"Uh, I'll just take your word on that--er, what's your name, Father?"

"Francis."

"You mean you're a Saint?"

"Oh, my, no. More like a Prophet. I am of a place called Bajo--er, scratch that. First Contact is not for 3 centuries, yet. In any event, just take good care of Walter, as I know you will."

"Walter's the baby's name?"

"Oh, I did it again. Another predestination--well, yes, his name is Walter. You probably would have found him, anyway, but I felt best to play it safe when it comes to a dear friend like him. Take care Edna, and God Bless You and your family."

Edna looked down at the contented, sleeping baby foundling.

"He already went an done that, Father. I...hey, wheredja go?"

But The Priest was gone, and the baby would not see him again until 1950. Edna walked back to her husband.

"Terrence, look what I found. It's a lost baby foundling with no parents or anything. He needs us. His name's Walter."

Terrence shook his head.

"Edna, he's gotta have some folks somewhere. Now, we'll turn him over to the state, and then maybe they'll let us adopt him. Babies don't just pop up outta nowhere."

"Oh, all right. Be a stubborn Gus. Let me help those two fellas with their directions while you hold him."

While Edna talked with Joe and Jerry from Cleveland, Terrence held the baby. By the time Edna got back, she saw that her trick had worked, and there was no way their baby was going to any orphanage. With the two men awaiting the water Terrence would bring them, little Walter O'Reilly, foundling of the Iowa Cornfields, went home for the first time. Miracles are nothing if not persistent.

"So, Joe, they're gonna adopt the foundling?"

"Yep, Jerry. Those two farmers are gonna raise that kid like he's their own. Probably never even be told how they found him."

"How'd the kid get out here, anyway? There's no one for miles!"

"Search me. Maybe it's like in the science fiction pulps, he's an alien being. An invader, the first scout for a sneak attack."

"Orrrr...he's the last survivor of a doomed civilization, from the planet Zeist! Perfect for that Comic Strip we've been trying to sell."

"I don't know about Zeist, but the last survivor part...."

In weeks to come, this foundling incident would continue to inspire Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster. The future Radar O'Reilly would never realize that he was born on the same day as Superman. But then, his life would be chock-full of surprises.

1998

Duncan Macleod sat down with his friends, there to hear details of the life of his new protege, Walter O'Reilly, since Korea.

"Thanks, everybody. I know you guys want to hear all about it, but there's so many places ta start from."

Joe Dawson offered help.

"Walter, our Watcher Chronicles don't tell us everything, so--hey, how about your first head?"

"Well, gee, I dunno, I mean, it's Duncan's party."

"Ah, go on, Walter. First head stories are always worth hearing. Besides, if I'm to train you, I need some details. Can't take you there, if I don't know where you've been."

"Ok, I'll do it. But, my first head, now THAT's a story...."