Who’s the Daddy?

By Donna and Abby

As was his usual custom, Duncan walked Sarah Jo to the clinic before going to the city hall. But this time, he tarried, telling her he wanted to talk to Dr Shepherd about something. Sarah Jo nodded, understanding. Ever since the birth of Katherine's beautiful little daughter, he had been wondering. Was the little girl his? Or had she been fathered by the obviously extremely fertile Methos? Both he and Methos had given a blood sample to Shepherd for his research, and he hoped that by now, the doctor would be able to give him an answer.  

He knocked on the door and when Shepherd looked up, Duncan cleared his throat and blurted it out. "Do you know yet? Is he the father, or me?" 

Shepherd invited the Highlander in.  "I ran a preliminary paternity test, but I'm afraid I have nothing near the capabilities to isolate DNA.  The best I can do," he said regretfully, "is type match the blood." 

"I understand that," MacLeod said, a frown on his face. "That's why we both let you stick us for a sample."  

"Well," sighed the doctor, "as you may or may not know, because you are certainly old enough, but also never before been in this situation, just discerning paternity by blood type is a process of elimination.  The only way to say she is yours and not Methos' is to say he could NOT be the father and you could.  Or vice versa.  Unfortunately, the child is AB+, which means an A or a B could make that child.  Do you understand?" 

"Yes," he said, the frown deepening. "I'm A+, right?"  

"Yes.  And he is a B+.  Katherine is AB-.  There's literally no way to tell." 

Duncan was silent for a moment, then stood up with all the dignity he could muster. "Thanks, Doc. I appreciate you trying."  

"By the way," Shepherd said, "Katherine being a negative, needs to be treated for the RH factor.  If she wants more children, that is." 

“Does she know yet?” Duncan asked, concerned for Katherine.  

"I have told Sarah Jo.  But just in case, I am also telling you.  Fortunately, that much I can do here!  Whatever force that sent us here seems intent on us breeding." 

"Good," he sighed with relief. "The last thing she needs is having a baby die because of that!"  

"It is odd that we were given certain medicines and not others.  I have what I need for RH factor, but not other things!" 

Duncan shook his head. "Lots of things none of us can figure out about this place, Doc. Thanks again." He shook his hand, and then left, heading straight to the City Hall.  

Methos was in his office.  He was having trouble concentrating.  So much had happened this past month! He sensed the approach of Duncan of course, and looked up. The Highlander was scowling.  

"What is it?" he asked, perturbed.  "Trouble?" 

"No. Yes. Hell, old man, we aren't ever going to know. The baby could have been fathered by either one of us according to Shepherd. And to top it off, Kat is RH negative."  

"Has she gotten the treatment?" he asked, worried about his friend.  The other - the disappointment over the child's paternity - would have to wait. 

"He said he could give it to her," Duncan reassured him. He sat down heavily in a nearby chair. "I'm disappointed, to tell you the truth, but in a way, this might be for the best. I think that Katherine must have had a feeling that we would never know and that is why she gave her Dixon as a last name. Kat told me that the main thing she wants is for little Doireann Iseabail to be loved by us all. "  

"Well, she certainly is that."  Methos sat back in his chair.  "She doesn't care who the father is, then?" 

"No. As far as she is concerned, her daughter has four fathers!"  

"Well, that is nice, I suppose," the older man said, moving papers around.  "And I would only be selfish to want more than one child at the moment, but still . . . I wish I knew for sure." 

"Me too," Duncan sighed. "Me too."