New chances

Scott doesn't respond, though it's obvious that he doesn't necessarily agree with Hope. They were going to find him a traitor... and if he was, then what other option was there?

His eyes stay open for the longest time, even though he remains silent. Rick checked on him several times, hoping he'd gone back to sleep, but he hadn't. Just thinking about sleep again drove fear into Scott's veins.

Eventually he speaks again. "I don't want to sleep," he mentions quietly. "Can't we get Carson's interrogation over with?"

Rick overhears him and shakes his head. Scott needed rest. He didn't need to be interrogated... not yet... not until he was strong enough to withstand it. But the young man was so desperate to make right what he thought was wrong, and to rid himself of the terrible guilt he was feeling.


Hunter lets his eyes drop, listening to Alice speak. Though there was slight disappointment there, a faint smile toys at the edge of his mouth anyway. His gaze lands on her hand resting on his knee.

With her final statement, he reaches out and picks up her hand once more, this time drawing it close to his face as if studying it, intent on seeing the fine features of every little curve.

His eyes finally raise again to meet hers. "Well, you didn't outright tell me no." There's humor in his tone, bringing a lighter feeling to the air. "That means there's a chance there, however small it might be." For now, he doesn't say anything more about Kyle. He didn't know how his friend felt, and so he couldn't judge his own actions on it at all.

Standing up, Hunter stretches both hands down to Alice, in a gesture that asks her to stand and walk with him. "I for one, would like to get to know you more, too. So how about we just do that? And if it turns into more, it does. And if not, it doesn't. And if it does and we have to abandon it later, then at least we will have had some good times."

He cocks his head, finally allowing his smile to spread. "It's one of the safest chances you'll ever take." He knew that he wanted to be more than friends with Alice. But more so, he wanted her to be able to heal her wounds completely and be able to move on, whether it was with him or not. And if getting her to take a step towards something more would help, then he would be there.


Gage rocks on the back legs of his chair, his fingers strumming restlessly on the desk. He looks up at the clock, then checks the monitor again. Everything was quiet.

Sighing, he lets the chair fall back onto all for legs, then reaches for the desk drawer once more. He was almost finished with his book. While alone, it was a good time to try and get to the last page. Once this thing was over, he'd have little chance again to read anything, let alone something that he wasn't allowed to have.


Wandering inside the building, Jason sees no one. It was a quiet darkness, but not an eerie one. His leather jacket creaked as he slowly walked through the foyer. Squinting a little, he sees two open doors straight ahead. He aimed for them instead of the office he saw to the side that had a light on. He wasn't familiar with this place, but it didn't seem to matter. It felt odd... his closest friends were here all the time.

Entering the larger room, he looks up. A cross stares back at him, lit around the edges to cast a soft glow against the wall. A lump rises in his throat. He wasn't even sure why.

Slowly, he walks forward, the sound of his boots muffled on the carpet. Heading down the aisle, he stops at the foot of the small stage and bends his neck back to stare up at the cross. He knew what it symbolized. He knew about Jesus. He knew that Jesus was God's Son, sent to save man from their sins. He knew Jesus died on the cross represented here... that He was mocked and tortured... and then after dying, He rose again three days later. Jason knew the stories... he knew the facts. He'd been taught as a child. He'd grown up with a Christian mother and a grandfather who had claimed Christianity. He'd let his questions and spirit promptings lie for many years. After Scott had been taken, Jason had gone back to research... reading his Bible... questioning faith again. And again, he'd gotten busy, distracted, and had let things lie.

He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, still staring upward. He knew that Katie had a strong faith. She went to church every Sunday... she prayed before meals... she read her Bible, and she talked about God in her everyday life. Carson - the worst of the worst - had turned his life over to God and did not waver from his decision. All the guys from JetStream... those from Cryptic... Many others from TJY... Jason was surrounded by people who had deep faith in God. They were people he trusted... people he respected.

Thoughts of Katie drift through his mind. Thoughts of her captivity... thoughts of what she must be going through. The emotions rise within him, but he could barely feel them. Though having physically gotten used to the lack of emotional uprisings, he still felt an emptiness inside of him. Right now he wanted to feed off his own pain... off his own anger... but the strategic usage of the emotions was not possible.

A tear surfaces. It was as hated tear, but one that would not be thwarted by his attempts to hold it back. He couldn't do this alone anymore and he knew it. This was one time that he felt absolutely no control. And he needed Someone who was in control.

Before he realizes it, Jason is on his knees. He doesn't know how long he stays. He's not even sure of all the things that run through his mind and heart. Words are uttered, but not aloud. They only come forth through the sobs that catch in his throat, and through a soul that has been waiting to be released for so long.

And God reaches down to comfort a child so lost, so alone. For almost twenty-two years, since the birth of the one with so many plans wrapped up in his future, God had waited for this moment. The door had been opened, and He was finally being invited in.

A weight on Jason's shoulder doesn't startle him. He knew whose hand it was.

Con gives him a reassuring pat. "Thought you might need a friend," he mentions quietly.

Jason is still on his knees, but straightens a little and nods, giving his eyes a backhanded swipe.

Con moves around to lower himself on one of the steps of the stage so he can face Jason. "You know..." His voice is soft and not condemning. "Sometimes it takes needing God in the hard times to realize that we've needed Him all along... even in the good times."

"I've been a fool, haven't I?" Jason's tone is full of more humiliation than ever before.

"By denying God a place in your life for so long? Maybe. But that doesn't mean you can't change that now. He's giving you a chance, Jase. The world is still spinning, and as long as there's still breath in you, it's not too late." Con pauses, cocking his head. He wanted to know if Jason was truly ready. "Are you doing this for you? ...Or for Katie?"

Jason swallows hard and lowers his eyes. "I want to find Katie so bad... I want God to answer my prayers... but... I know that this is about me." He looks back up at the friend who had stayed with him through so much. "I know that... me letting God in my life isn't going to miraculously bring about answers to my prayers. I... I need God for myself... for my own soul. I've tried so hard to do everything on my own... But no matter how hard I try, there are still things I can't handle alone... and I know that nothing I ever do of my own power will get me into Heaven, no matter how good of a person I try to be."

A faint smile slips onto Con's lips. He could feel the Spirit moving. "Taking all that into consideration... do you know what you need to do?"

Jason stares up at the cross once more. He knew the verses. He'd studied them, trying to find a way out, or thinking he could disprove them. But he knew that they were true. "I've known for a long time... I just refused." A slight laugh surfaces. "Unfortunately, it's two in the morning."

"So?" Con lifts an eyebrow. "You think God cares what time of day it is?" He glances up quickly as movement catches his eye. Strange, that the minister was here so late. And Con would bet anything that the minister had had no idea why he should be here at this hour either. But it was clear now.

The right place and right time had been laid out since the beginning. Never was the minister here this late - until tonight. Never had Jason been truly open to the thought of God and salvation - until tonight. Never had the truths of belief, repentance and baptism been so clear - until tonight.

It was a small gathering. Only three men. But there was no reason to wait until a more opportune time. Following the examples in the Bible had never been easier. A heart was ready. Repentance was beginning. Water was there. Some might have thought that it was sudden, or that perhaps the one giving up his life had not yet learned enough - that perhaps it was just his emotional state that dictated his decision now. He wasn't even a church-goer. But never had a man been so sure of what he needed. He'd studied long enough. He'd put this off long enough.

Con had never been a prouder friend, or a more honored one. Bringing Jason back up out of the water, his own silent commitment was made to do all in his power to be a guiding support for his friend. Never would he give up, and he would always be there for Jason, no matter what.

Though at an ordinary emotional level, Jason still felt as though his heart might burst. He was free. He was finally free.

A new life was born. Not one of body, but one of spirit. A spirit that had been so broken was now undergoing restoration and filling with a love and peace unknown until tonight. And while all the time Katie was on Jason's mind, the personal step forward could not be ignored. It wasn't desperation for help in finding her that had made Jason's decision - it was desperation for his own soul and own peace of mind. God was with him, that much he knew. And God would see everything okay in the end. But Jason also knew that just because he had finally given his life over, did not mean that everything would be easy, nor was it in any way a free pass or a simple route to prayer requests. No... he was a soldier, now fully equipped to handle the job. And that was the point.

I dont know

Sitting down in front of Scott Hope's hand is still in his. She just watches she he and Rick converse. Just being there absorbing Scott's pain when she needed too. Giving a gently squeeze to his hand she reasures.

"Your not going to jail. Dont you worry about that."

Looking back and Hunter again Alice smiles as she can feel the heat creep up her neck at his comment. The twinkle in her eye showing she was flattered for his comment though she wasnt sure what to say.

Hunter's next question was simple, but to Alice it felt so hard to answer. She wasnt sure how and she felt so confused. She new what she wanted, and she new it was what Seth would of wanted her to do but it was just so hard.

"I don't know Hunter. I honestly dont know if you do or not, because I dont even know where my chanses lay. I kind of feel like a pin ball because bounced in so many differnt direction."

Reaching out Alice give's Hunter's knee a gentil pat and just letting her hand rest there for a moment.

"I'm sorry I cant give you a deffint answer. I know I do have some feelings for Kyle, but I mean if he dosnt return them than...than again I dont even know if I want him to, and you your a great guy. Your nice your sweet and I would love to get to know you more but I just...dont honetly know."

A chance?

Scott obeys the promptings, and manages to get back to the bed, easing down and closing his eyes, utterly exhausted. Even so, he doesn't like Rick's poking and prodding, and winds up resisting the IV.

Rick sighs, having everything in hand. "Scott, come on."

"I don't need it," Scott mumbles. He felt bad enough the way it was, not being able to cope. He felt even weaker, needing something like this.

Rick leans down and waits until Scott opens his eye to look at him. "Did you eat anything all day yesterday?"

Scott thinks. It was hard to remember. He shrugs.

"Did you drink anything?"

He shrugs again.

"And you just threw up anything you had left, and more. If you're not going to take care of yourself, then someone has to. Now stop giving me a hard time."

Scott finally just closes his eye again and lets Rick stick his arm. He winces just a little. Rolling back over onto his side, he hasn't forgotten what Hope said earlier. Though it had been several minutes, he picks up where she'd left off, mumbling his response. "Sure... if I'm not behind bars."


Hunter lifts an eyebrow in surprise and speaks before thinking. "Kyle's your best friend and you haven't told him this?" He was even more surprised that if that were true, Alice has confided in him.

He stops and shakes his head. "Sorry. I can see it's been difficult... can't say I woulda done differently."

Slipping his hand back into his pocket again, he thinks for just a moment. "He sees you as a sister, huh?" He shrugs. "Maybe I really did read him wrong."

Turning his head back to Alice, his warm smile returns. "Oh, Alice... it's not a question of whether or not you know how to play the game. It's whether or not you want to. But you're the only one who knows if you're ready. Moving on can be hard... but something tells me you're strong enough to do it."

For a long moment, he just studies her, watching the moonlight dance in and out of her gaze. "You have beautiful eyes," he whispers. He knew Alice didn't know if she could really move on or not... he knew she was struggling with the feelings of the past. But he could see the longing in her eyes. He could see that she was missing what she once had... affection... partnership... a relationship deeper than friends... someone to lean on... someone to share everything with... ultimately, love.

A part of his logic warned him not to step too closely, but he had to know if his attentions would be accepted or turned away. His voice is still kept low and quiet. Unassuming and not pushy in the least. It was only a tone full of care for how she felt, and a simple request for his own peace of mind.

"If I don't have a chance, just tell me now before I get too far, and I'll back off." He continues to search her eyes. "But if there's any glimmer of hope... I won't give up." His small grin returns. "It's not my nature."


Ty continues to struggle, but is far from a match for Carson. Getting shoved towards the table, he runs into a chair, then whirls around to glare at both me. "What is this about?!"

"I think you know." Carson tone is stern, his stare an icy one. "Sit down."

"I don't want to."

"I said sit!" Carson gives him a hefty push, forcing him down into the chair.

"What is with you two?! I didn't do anything!"

Carson stands on the other side of the table, taking up position beside Nate. "Apparently, you did." He points to a folder that he'd had waiting in here. "Who did you let into the building, Ty?"

Ty visibly recoils, now realizing what Nate and Carson wanted. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're lying!" Carson throws his arms in the air. "I don't get it, Ty! You've been fine, as far as I know, up until this point!" His eyes were bloodshot, proving that his exhaustion wasn't helping his stress level any. "Now tell me who you let into TJY yesterday."

"I didn't let anyone in!"

"You did too! We have proof!" Carson picks up the folder and slaps it back down again. Still standing, he look down at the younger man. "Why did you use Katie's security code?"

Something flickers in Ty's eyes. "Katie's?"

"Quit playing games." Carson rolls his eyes. "Don't play stupid. Did you think we wouldn't be able to figure it out if you used her code or what?"

"I... I didn't know I used her code."

"So you admit you opened the door."

"I..." Ty clamps his mouth shut again, his eyes falling.

Carson slams his fist on the table. "Talk to us, Ty! I'm tired and I'm cranky, and you do not want to make me mad at this point."

Ty looks back up, glancing between Carson and Nate. "I honestly didn't know I used Katie's code."

"Well what did you think you were using?"

"I don't know."

Carson growls and turns around to pace, trying to keep his temper down. "Okay. Just tell me how you opened the door then."

Ty licks his dry lips. "Well, I... I figured out the key pattern."

"The what?"

"The pattern. See, I've got my own security code, and I know what Hal's is. I figured out the mathematical equation for the numbers that would exist between his code and mine, based on the number sequence. I could go a little further either direction too, but eventually, I'd run out because there's only so many people working here."

Carson blinks. He looks to Nate, totally baffled. "You mean to tell me that there's a pattern with the codes?"

"Sure." Ty shrugs. "There's always a pattern somewhere if you look hard enough."

Carson rubs his forehead, trying to straighten all of this out. "Ty, this is impossible."

"No it's not." Ty leans forward, apparently knowing what he was talking about. "I asked Susanne how many people had been hired between Hal and myself. I took Hal's number and worked with it until I had as many increments as there were agents before I reached my own number. See, each time an agent gains a new security code, the computer generates it. It adds three to the second number, subtracts two from the fifth, divides by the number of..."

"Alright, alright!" Carson holds up his hand. "I believe you. Good grief. How long did it take you to figure that out?"

Ty shrugs again. "I don't know. Couple days?"

"And you're just a janitor?" Carson rolls his eyes. "Never mind. So you figured you'd just use someone else's code, not caring whose it was. Now... who did you let in?"

Ty's hesitance returns. "I... I don't know his name."

"Don't give me that."

"It's true! I don't know his name. He just came to me and..."

"When?"

"A while ago. Right after Scott came back. He told me that Scott was a traitor, but they couldn't prove it."

"They? Who is they?"

Ty looks down again.

"Talk to me, Ty!"

"Austin."

"Of all the..." Carson bites his tongue. "That man has caused more trouble than anyone I know, and he still claims to be on our side." He shakes his head. "So he was the guy with Austin when Scott was interrogated right after he was brought back?"

Ty nods. "I think so."

"Go on."

"Well, he stopped me, and said Scott was a traitor. He said he knew it because he had a signed agreement between him and the Agency, saying that he would work for them for a hundred thousand dollars a year. All he needed was another layer of proof, like if Scott talked or something."

"So when I started finding out he had information, you called this guy."

"Yeah." Ty's shoulders droop. "I didn't know he was going to beat on Scott... honest, I didn't."

"Well he did," Carson retorts harshly. "You said this guy had a signed agreement? Did he show it to you?"

Ty nods. "Why else would I have believed him? I didn't think Scott would be a traitor, but he showed me the paper, so I had to believe it."

Carson gives Nate a sidelong glance before reaching for his folder. He finds a piece of paper with a lot of text on it. He holds the folder right so Ty can't see him taking a pen scribbling something at the bottom. Shutting the folder, he holds up the paper. "The Agency sometimes collects agents signatures for various reasons. I was given this just a bit ago as evidence." His tone indicates that whatever it was, agreed with what Ty was talking about. "It's just a copy, but is this what you were shown?"

Ty squints as Carson flips the page over. There were a lot of words. A signature was at the bottom. He glances up to Carson's eyes, then to Nate's to judge whether or not it was safe to agree. He took the chance. "Yeah... yeah, that's it." He nods with surety.

Carson shakes his head slowly and puts the paper back down. "Ty... I just showed you a printout that Sapphire gave me on your activity during the last day. I just made that signature myself."

Ty's face pales. "That wasn't fair! You tricked me!"

"And you think I'm the only one?"

Ty sinks further down in his seat, his head lowering to a pitiful state. "The agreement wasn't real, was it?"

"What do you think?"

Ty manages to lift is eyes a little. "I... I don't know."

"Whoever it was knew you couldn't read, Ty. The only reason the Agency would ever want a signed paper would just be so they could verify their own agents activity if they double-crossed them. They aren't stupid enough to have agreements that say the agents will work for them."

Ty couldn't feel any lower. "You mean... it was all a trick?"

"I'm afraid so."

"And I was stupid enough to fall for it."

"Pretty much." Carson picks up his folder. "You'll probably be placed on suspension for overriding security codes and for letting someone inside while we were in lockdown. As far as your own conscience, you'll have to deal with that yourself. We still haven't figure out if Scott is really a traitor or not - but either way, you didn't make the right move." He looks to Nate. "Unless you think we nee more, I believe we're done here."

Ty stares down at the table, hating himself. The guy had been wanting to protect TJY, he'd said... just wanted to talk to Scott to prevent him from doing damage... just wanted to keep security tight and ensure safety... And Ty had been so gullible. Whether Scott was guilty or not, it was Ty's fault that he'd been beaten to a pulp, and that wasn't a good feeling.


Jason plants his feet on the ground, but stays seated on his motorcycle. His eyes roam the dark building. A lit window proved someone was there. Strange.

He takes off his helmet and runs a hand through his hair. It was late. He was surprised to see someone else was here at all. He was surprised he was here. But something had led him... something had pushed him.

Finally dismounting, Jason pulls off his keys. After locking his helmet to his bike, he wanders towards the double doors. Taking a glance over his shoulder, he feels as though he's being watched. But it wasn't the feeling of danger. Though unable to see anyone on the dark street, his sixth sense kicks in, and he thinks he knows. For now, he lets it remain as such. Hesitating, he finally turns back around tests the handle on the door. It was open. Even if someone was here this late, it was still odd that the door would be unlocked. But at the moment, he wouldn't question it.

Con watches as Jason parks and heads to the building. He was hidden from view in the alleyway down the street. But when he sees Jason turn around, he can't help a small smile. Jason had radar like a watchdog. "Yeah, Hotshot, I'm here."

Like a Sister

Looking at Rick and giving a small nod Hope keeps her fingers locked with Scott's. For a moment a strange feeling seemed to pass through her veins but was gone before she could grab hold. Giving just a soft smile to herself Hope stands still holding his hand.

"Come on, lets get you back to the bed where it is comfortable. Rick needs to get some fluids in ya too so you can stay strong."

Helping Scott up the best should could Hope slowly leads him out of the bathroom and back to the bed.

"You know I was thinking, once your feeling better again I'd like to take Domino to the park again with you. I had alot of fun last time."

Alice gives a soft smile to Hunter, a small flicker of thank you flashes in her eyes without any words needing to be spoken.

Hunter's words were soft, and they braught her comfort. It was nice to have someone know her past and understand so many things.

"Your the first one to know this Hunter. I havent shaired it with anyone else. I just...havent seen the reason to."

Alice gives another soft before looking away again up at the star lit sky. It seemed so strange to be talking to someone about this stuff. She never really had any girlfriends she could talk with.

"I think....I think Kyle looks at me more of a sister than anything else. He's my best friend, and..."

Alice thinks back to the beach and the feeling she felt. They had felt warm, and nice, but Kyle's tone had changed so fast. She wasnt sure if it was her or maybe he really did just look at her as a friend.

"...its been a long time since I played the dating game I am not sure I even know how anymore. Not to mention I am not even sure if I am ready to or not."