Blame

Ryder’s eyes narrow slightly, and he keeps his voice down, though it’s strained. “Look, nobody scares me away. But I know when I’m not wanted or needed. As for blowing our cover, if you think I’m that stupid, then I probably shouldn’t be out here at all.”

His eyes stare into Katie’s for a long moment. The teasing from last night wanted to come out again, but it was held back.

“I’ll go check the trail below. You three take your time.” Sliding back out of sight from below the cliff, he gets to his feet, slinging his backpack over his shoulder and aiming back down the trail.

Carson grunts his disapproval, but doesn’t stop him. He blamed himself. He’d been stupid. He shouldn’t have said what he had. But now he had to concentrate on the mission, not Ryder.


Scott gives Hope another small nod. “Alright… but… no… don’t give me a week.” He looks back up at her again. “I’ll only talk myself out of it. I’ll… I’ll go because I want to… because… I know I need to. Just… can we do it maybe like tomorrow?”

Little bit

Katie rolls her eyes and looks to Jason with a smile.

I think those two are worse than us women.

Turning back to scout everything once again Katie trys to consintrate as the other two continue to go back and forth. Feeling Ryder swat her leg and thinking best of him going back alone Katie turns to look over her shoulder at him.

"Do you really think its a good idea to go back by yourself because I dont. So come back over here and sit down before YOU blow our cover. Unless this killer over here really did scair you away than you can SIT there."

Katie wasnt sure why but the thought of Ryder going back to the cabin alone made her feel uneasy and she just did not like the feeling at all. Highting her own sences just a little Katie trys to keep more alart scaning the area around them and keeping on high alart.

Hope smiles. She did want what was best for Scott and she wanted to help him try to be able to function again as a human for his own sake.

"Its your choise Scott and I want you to go because you want to go. So take all week to think about it and decied. We will only be out for how ever long you want to be out. Its all up to you, we do it on your tearms."

Hope ment that. She wanted to do this for Scott, and letting him make the desitions himself showing him he did still have his own free will.

If you want

Ryder squints his eyes just a little, a grin turning up the corner of his mouth. “Cocky little sheila, aren’t we now?”

Carson gives him a sidelong glance. “You think pride in abilities is cocky? You did ask her.”

“I expected more of what she’d contribute to this mission. Not her tolerance of pain or ability to remember.”

“What she’s good at really isn’t your concern,” Carson retorts. “You’re here to help us get in. Period. Remember?”

“Oy, settle down, mate.” Ryder props himself up on his elbows, taking a bit more of a defensive stance. “You want me out of this, just say so. Looks like you got everything under control. I’ll just go back to the hut and sit if that’s what you like.”

Carson rolls his eyes. “We need all the help we can get. But you should just trust Reese for sending the right team and leave it at that.”

Ryder sighs and settles back down on his stomach to watch the Agency building. “If I’da known a bloke would get into so much trouble just for opening his mouth, I’da shut up a long time ago. It’s about time I left this job for good.”

Jason shakes his head, looking through the binoculars.
I suppose I could ask if all Aussies argue like this, but I doubt it would do too much good at this point.

Carson smirks at Ryder. “Maybe all you should do is think before opening your mouth.”

“Maybe I should just leave you lot to yourselves then ay?” Ryder sits up to rock back on his heels, and gives Katie’s leg a swat. “If you’re all that, then try to keep this Aussie in line, will you? He’s liable to blow this cover if he keeps talking like that.” Though making a joke of it, it’s obvious in Ryder’s eyes that he’s put out, and feeling it would be best if he just went back to the cabin and let the other three scout by themselves. He turns to leave.


Scott takes the tissues from Hope and blows his nose, looking down as he feels like a total idiot for such a display, even if he couldn't help it. The tears sting his blind eye and he winces, squinting it shut until the painful sensation passes.

Leaning back against the window, he takes a deep breath, trying to bring himself out of his emotional state. He gives a little nod. He knew he'd made progress. It was hard admitting that he really needed all this help to begin with, but he couldn't deny it... if he hadn't been getting this kind of help, he'd still be stuck with Rick watching him like a hawk, not to mention he'd still be scared of his own shadow.

Swallowing hard, he finally looks at Hope again. "I... I don't know. Every time I'm out, I just... I freeze up." His eyes go down again. "But... I'll go... if you want me to."


Axel tries to keep himself busy, but it's hard. He didn't know what was going to happen now. He didn't know what to do... but he had to prepare for the worst - and that was losing his job completely, as well as losing his place to live. It was a depressing thought, but one he'd been prepared for for a long time. But he had to press on. He could find another job. He could find another place to live.

Sighing, he gets up from his chair. He could go hang out with Phil and Mike before the concert and help them load up. He knew they wouldn't object to his presence. He could just say he got off work early.


"Who else knows him as well as I do?" Tears fill Taylor's eyes, heat coming to her face. She knew this was pointless, and she felt embarrassed over the whole thing. But it still hurt. She paces her apartment. "Who else knows that his favorite flavor of ice cream is plain vanilla? Or that he doesn't like the color olive green? Or that he thinks the best temperature is seventy-three degrees? Or that..."

"Taylor..." Joel interrupts her and stops her from pacing by putting his hands on her shoulders. He looks her in the eye, gentle but firm. "You're gonna have to let this go."

Taylor's lower lip trembles. "Did you know that he wears dogtags that have his first and middle names on them?"

Joel shakes his head. "I guess I've seen a chain around his neck but I didn't know what it was, no. But..."

"See? He's been with us for over a year and I've learned all the little things, and I've worked so hard just to get close to him, just so he'd give me second glance. And he still won't even ride in my car with me!"

Joel sighs and makes her sit on the couch with him. "He doesn't go anywhere alone with any woman, you know that."

"He does with Jess," Taylor mumbles.

Joel rolls his eyes. "Jealous?"

Taylor looks down and sniffs. "Maybe. He hardly knows her... how come he'll let her into his zone and not me?"

"I don't know. But if Axel doesn't have feeling for you, there's nothing you can do about it. You've done all you can, you let him know how you feel, and if he doesn't want that, then you're just gonna have to let it go."

"But..." Taylor wipes her eyes with the back of her hand, feeling foolish. "I've made an idiot out of myself. How can I even face him?"

A small grin surfaces on Joel's face. Taylor had told him all about what had happened after he'd stopped by to try and get her to come to Cryptic's next practice. "You think he's the type to let that bother him? Knowing Axel, he's probably thinking he's ruined his friendship with you, and probably feels horrible about it."

Taylor looks up at her cousin. "He left a message on my answering machine to apologize. You think he really feels that badly?"

"I'd bet money on it. You're his friend, Tay. He may not care for you the way you want him to, but he does consider you a friend, and a good one at that. Can you live with just being friends with him?"

Taylor sighs and finally gives a little nod. "I think I can." Her eyes plead with Joel. "But don't tell any of the other guys okay? I feel foolish enough the way it is."

Joel chuckles. "I won't tell them. They're worried about you though. Come to our next practice, okay?"

"Alright."

Kunch

Staying close behind Ryder Kaite glances back every now and than making sure Jason and Carson wernt far behind. Moving over the roots and bushes Katie trys to be as quiet as she can be.

Walking for a long way Katie though they might never stop but finally seeing Ryde go down to his belly Katie follows along inch by inch.

Looking over the edge of the cleft Katie takes everything in down below letting off a soft whistle.

"Wow, they really do have the operation going on down there dont they."

Looking over the faces though thye were small Katie could make them out and takes them in. Hearing Ryder's question Katie is silent for a moment before turning finally turning to Ryder a small grin forms on her face.

"Because I am the best."

Giving a shake of her head and a small laugh the glint in Katie's eyes never leaves.

"I have a pretty good memorie. I can take evertything and than at a laster date bring it out again kind of like a camra. Once I see something or someone I never forget, among other talents I shair with people. Not only that, I have been told am good at my job. I can shoot pretty good no matter how much it hurts."

A small smile forms on her face at a memorie.

"I once shot a shot gun with ease while I had a broken arm."

Looking back down at the tarrain below Katie falls silent again just thinking and taking things in.

"So how are we gonna do this?"

Continuing to listen once again Hope follows Scott back into her office. Leaning aganst her desk Hope takes in all the scars that marked. Feeling the strings on her heart being pulled Hope cant say nothing but just listen.

Pusing off the desk she goes around her one of her shelfs and grabs some tissues bringing them to Scott. Finally as he is done Hope is silent for a moment thinking about Scott last statment.

"Oh Scott, I can't tell you if its completely over or not. I am here to help you get to the end resalt but that ending it left up to you."

Walkng close to where was once again Hope lays a gentil hand on his arm.

"But what I can tell you Scott, is you made a BIG BIG step today Scott and your on the right path. Your end is coming soon Scott and before you know it, your not going to need me anymore."

For a moment at the statment Hope feels a bit of meloncoly, a sadness and never seeing Scott again.

"Your doing so good Scott compaired to when you first came here. Yours making great progress. Next time we meet Scott how about doing lunch my treat?"

Continuing

Scott tries to calm himself down, embarrassed for getting sick like this. But he doesn't have the strength to push Hope away. The only thing he could do was accept her comfort and lean into it for support.

His stomach finally settling down, he sits back against the wall for a moment, his face pale, his palms clammy. He takes several deep breaths, his hands starting to shake from the stress. Not responding to Hope right away, he manages to get to his feet again, though a bit wobbly. Going to the sink, he splashes some cold water on his face, trying to pull himself together again.

There were no numbers to describe the way he felt, or what had happened. There was no logical route to get around the pain. There was no mathematical answer to this emotional equation. But speaking the truth now... allowing the memories to be exposed through his words... it brought them into the open - the only place where they could be conquered.

Exhausted, he leans on the sink, lifting his face to see into the mirror. He saw himself, thin, pale, and fading to nothingness. Shifting his gaze, he sees Hope behind him, still there, available and waiting. She said he could be done. She said he didn't have to say anymore. But the valve to open up the stream of emotions and words had been loosened, and the flow did not want to stop.

"They took everything," he almost whispered. All his pride, all his confidence and self-worth had been destroyed. He didn't know how to beat this thing. He didn't know how to overcome the feeling of helplessness... of weakness. Fighting never did any good. He wasn't strong enough.. resistance only meant pain and foolishness.

"Fighting... didn't do any good. I was too weak." His eyes glaze over with a look that signals he's lost in the images of the past. "So I... I gave up." A stray tear runs from his eye, but he doesn't blink.

Pushing off the sink, he wanders past Hope, back to the hallway, and back into the office. His feet wanted to take him the rest of the way, to the exit and outside. But his heart felt pulled somehow to stay... to stay and finally finish what he'd started.

He paces for a moment, feeling as though he were almost stuck in a dream. But with Hope with him again, he forces the words to surface once more, picking up where he'd left off.

"They beat her so bad. And I could have stopped it." His voice starts to waver. "I could have given them what they... what they wanted. But... I didn't. I watched her... slowly die. Blood was everywhere... The concrete stained... the smell didn't go away."

His lower lip begins to tremble, his fists growing so tight at his sides that his knuckles turn white. "Every day I sat in that same cell, living it over and over."

Turning around, he looks at Hope. "His favorite weapon was a chain." He shows how large the links were with his fingers. "Across my back... across my legs. Not hard enough to break anything... just hard enough to tear things up, bruise and bleed."

Scott rolls up his sleeve to reveal a scar that went from his wrist, clear up to his elbow. His hoodie had always hidden it. "It took him three hours to make that. He went clear to the bone. But he made sure I didn't bleed to death." A source of anger is revealed, flashing briefly in Scott's gaze. "No... they wouldn't let me die."

Though more tears come, the words won't stop now. "They used something like a cattle prod when I was at the computer. Any time I refused, or made a mistake, I'd get a shock that would almost knock me out. But when they were really mad, I'd get the shot."

Pulling up his other sleeve, Scott reveals all that's left of the marks left around his veins where he'd been injected time and time again. "I don't know what was in it. But you haven't felt pain until you've been given one of those shots. They only kept those for the very end when they'd given up because afterward, I was in too much pain to function. Half the time I'd pass out, just to wake up in the cell again... cold... tired."

Scott's mind reals with the images that won't stop. They were light a freight train without any brakes. "One time they did get too frustrated, so one of the guys tried to kill me." Lifting up his shirt shows a wide scar in the middle of his rib cage. "But they wouldn't let me die. They just patched me up to see how much longer I could last. All I wanted to do was die, but they wouldn't let me... I finally got sick."

He swallows hard, the fog starting to settle over his mind again. "I don't know how long I was sick... or what happened... I was too weak to remember. I just wanted it to end. I prayed I would die. I'd been told my family and friends had all been murdered... I didn't want to be rescued to face that anyway... I just wanted to sleep and never wake up."

Suddenly, he was at the window again, not even remembering walking across the room. He places a palm on the glass as he often did, feeling the smooth coolness. For some reason, that feeling was a comforting one. There was no harshness... the glass hid nothing, yet was a protective barrier... It absorbed the sun's warmth, yet remained refreshingly cool.

"It's over, isn't it?" Scott slowly turns around to face Hope again, his good eye piercing her own. "The war... the battle... it's over... I don't have to worry about it anymore... do I?"

The question was one of partial knowledge that bringing his fears to light was a form of conquering them... but it was also one of partial pleading that it really would be over soon so he could live again.


Ryder grins as Katie dons the t-shirt. “There we go. Alright then. Off we go.”

Carson motions for Jason and Katie to follow after Ryder, while he takes up the rear. Heading off the porch, the scenery is a gray darkness, insects still singing their lullabies until the sun appears.

Ryder leads the way without a flashlight, his lightweight backpack carrying only binoculars and his canteen. The long knife and gun at his hip signaled he was ready for anything – not expecting trouble, but not to be surprised.

He steps over tree roots and bramble, every so often looking over his shoulder to make sure everyone was behind him. They kept up just as he suspected they would. His own attitude was a little different this morning. He had a mission to carry out, and wasn’t letting his personal feelings get in the way today. While perhaps Katie’s words to him the night before had given him a glimmer of hope, he’d really surrendered to the fact that yet again, there was nothing that could be done about his brother. And as such, he would simply carry out his responsibility to help this team recover the antidote they were seeking.

Jason keeps up behind Katie, his long legs assisting in getting through the brush.

Ryder’s quiet this morning. Guess he’s in a sticky position. Only on-call half the time, but all the time worrying about his brother. Guess maybe if I hadn’t known Brian was on the Agency’s side, I would have gone in too, to save him. Just reminded me on Scott, ya know?

Carson moves stealthily at the rear, keeping his eyes out for anything. It had been a long time since he’d walked this terrain. Yet sometimes it felt as though it had just been yesterday. Looking ahead, he keeps an eye on Katie, though he knew Jason would be doing just that. Though Carson would probably trust Katie more than anybody else on this mission, an alternative motive was to return her safely home. He was in charge of this, and having her hurt or worse was simply not an option.

As the group treks on, the sun begins to peek above the horizon. Through the dense undergrowth, small rays penetrated to light the way with starry brilliance against the persisting darkness.

A small break is taken, but only for a few minutes before Ryder presses the team on. Miles are left behind. A river is encountered, and Ryder scouts out the best point to wade across, his knife drawn, wary of lurking crocodiles. Safely on the other shore, he leads the group further, to finally climb the summit where the secluded vantage point rested.

Ryder leads the way to the edge of the cliff, motioning for everyone to drop to their stomachs to avoid being spotted. Crawling to the edge, he points to the clearing below where a large building stood several stories high. It was almost surreal, as if the scene had been manually generated. The bush was no place to find a business building. But it was there, looking as though it had been transplanted from the city.

“There she is,” Ryder points out. “And she’s busy today, just as I thought she would be.”

“It’s them alright,” Carson confirms. He knew this place. He’d been here. He’d worked here. Some things had changed, but it was memories that guided his thoughts on how to get in, and where things were located.

Men in casual dress were coming and going. It was only a dirt road that led to the building, but it looked used enough to almost be a highway. There were several trucks, and several cars that looked top dollar.

“What’s there angle?” Carson questions. “They used to claim they were an international food shipping warehouse.”

Ryder shakes his head. “Naw. Now they’re listed as a freelance hub. In other words, they say they rent out offices and the like to any businessmen. For example, you could be a lawyer, and set up office here. You could be a telemarketer and rent a block of offices. Funny thing… they’re always full-up.”

Carson rolls his eyes. “I wonder why.”

Jason furrows his brow. “You mean they claim to be that, but nobody can ever get in?”

“That’s right, mate.” Ryder hands him the binoculars. “They set up signs, they have business cards printed, they even have phone lines set up – but it’s all a ruse. If I called a lawyer there, I’d probably just get a spiel about them not taking on any more clients at this time. Sounds official and the feds stay away.”

Carson lies on his stomach, resting his chin on his hands to watch the activity below. “So what’s with all the activity all of a sudden?”

“Don’t know. I haven’t been able to get word from my source in over a week. But the place has been crawling. I don’t know if they’re just getting a new team in so they’re playing switcheroo on everything, or if they’re setting up new fake businesses or what. But the feds still aren’t involved. It’s all just the Agency as far as I can tell.”

“You think it’s something special? Like something going down?”

“No… I really don’t think so. I think it’s just routine stuff. But it’s been too busy to try to get in. There’s just no way to go unseen.” Ryder pauses, letting the group just watch for a while. He turns his head to eye Katie. “So where do you fit in all this? Why did Reese send you?”

People to Save

Only hearing a bit of Scott's story Hope's heart acks for this man she had gotten to know. In her line of work she saw many things and hurd alot, but never had she incountered something that ran so deep before.

Hope didnt know who the Agency was, or how they worked but from she was told, or had hurd she new this was there meathod. To inflict pain, and to burn into the mind of there victomes these images, this fear. This is what the Agency wanted so if there victoms ever got away they wouldnt live long, or would be to scaired to talk.

Giving Scott a few moments by himself Hope finally enters the bathroom with him. Squating down next to him she lays a gentil hand on his back and rubs just a little.

"Hey you did good, and you dont have to tell me any more now ok?!"

Continuing to sit there with Scott for a little bit Hope is just silent, letting the quiet rain and fill the air but all the time she keeps her hand on Scott's back to let him know he was not alone. Finally though she speaks again though the words were few.

"Are you going to be ok?"

Katie looks at Ryder and quirks a grin taking the shirt from him.

"Maybe we should pain are face too, they are white as well."

Trying to find humor in her own joke Katie knows it failed and rolls her eyes at herself. Hearing Jason's comment she gives him a quick soft jab to the ribs.

"Oh yeah lucky me."

Shaking her head Katie puts the shirt on over the tank top and tucks it. Checking her gun one more time Katie gives a swift nod.

"So are we gonna stand here all day or what? We have people to save you know."

Giving a smile to Ryder and than the others Katie makes her way out the door breathing in the fresh air.

"6:30...I can handle that. Its good to get an early glimps of a rainbow anywas."

Jess can't help the smile that creeped across her face, after everything strange that had been going on seeing people she liked to be around and felt comfortable would be nice.

"Getting out of the house is gonna be good for me tonight. I'll see ya about that time. Thanks."

Hanging up the phone Jess goes back into the kitchen to put her items away. She couldnt help but be a little bit excited about going to the consert tonight.

Emotions

All three guys are also ready and waiting in the kitchen when Katie joins them. Ryder quirks an eyebrow and gives her a once over. "Daughter of Rambo comes to Australia. Look out world."

Carson chuckles, unable to help but toss Katie a wink.

Ryder ambles past Katie, then comes back with a khaki t-shirt. "Sorry, mate, but we're not gonna surrender yet. Waving a white flag around won't do any of us any good."

Jason had already been warned that the lookout point was out in the open, so he and Carson and Ryder were already in green or khaki colored clothes. He grins at Katie. "Nothing like wearing another guy's shirt," he teases.


"Axel?"

Axel turns around in the shop office to see Darrel. "Yeah?"

Darrel's face showed tension. "Listen, um... I don't know how to say this..."

A chill runs down Axel's spine. "What is it?"

"I just got a call back about some employment paperwork we were filing. I'm sorry, but... I didn't know about your past conviction."

Axel sets down the papers on the desk, his jaw tightening. "What are you saying?"

Darrel clears his throat awkwardly. "We have women here all the time, Axel. And... if any of them knew about this... we'd be running on a fine line. I can't afford to lose business."

Axel purses his lips and gives a defeated nod. "I understand. I'll go pack my things."

"Look, don't do anything yet." Darrel stops him from leaving. "I'll have to talk to some others. You're a good mechanic and I don't want to lose you if I don't have to. Just... I'll have to request a mandatory leave until a decision is made. If you decide to quit during that time, it's up to you. I can't guarantee what the outcome will be."

"Yeah." Axel forces a short laugh. He knew how this worked. "Sure. You talk to the important guys, figure out if keeping me is worth the losses." He takes a deep breath to let it out slowly. "I'll think about it."

"I'm sorry, I just..."

"No," Axel cuts him off. "It's not your fault. Just, um... call me, I guess."

"Okay." Darrel watches, helpless as Axel walks away.

Axel leaves the shop, not bothering to tell the other guys, and trudges slowly up the steps to his apartment. Getting inside, he eases down in his chair to put his face in his hands. He'd known this might happen. But why did it have to be here and now?

Finally finding himself again, he fishes his cell phone out of his pocket, checking to see who had called while he'd been talking to Darrel. Listening to the message, he hesitates calling Jess back. No... he needed to. He needed to just move on as if everything were fine. Even if he lost his job, his friends needn't know why. It was better that way. As long as he didn't put up a fight or make a stink about the whole thing, no one else would ever find out the details.

Dialing, he closes his eyes and sinks back in the chair, forcing his voice to be as light as always. "Hey, Stormy. Yeah, I'm going tonight." He grins, even tho Jess can't see him. "You can always tag along, you know that. I'm planning to get there about six-thirty to see if JetStream needs a hand before it starts. Feel free to come on down then too."


Scott keeps his eyes out the window, hearing Hope's words, but afraid to digest them. He felt sick just considering the thought of talking about what had happened. But a part of him longed to rid himself of those emotions and blocked memories. Part of him longed to be free of the prison they were holding them in.

Hope didn't usually prompt him like this. It was uncomfortable. But he knew she knew what she was doing, and if she didn't think he could do it, she wouldn't have asked him to.

Finally he turns to look at her, and he just studies her eyes for a long moment. She was like a sponge, there to absorb anything, no matter how disturbing or emotionally shocking it was. She was willing to help unburden those who came to see her and try to help them live again.

Scott swallows hard and moves away from the window, putting his hands back in his hoodie pockets. He goes and sits down in one of the chairs, sliding down to slouch and just think. In less than a minute though, he's back on his feet again, pacing. He takes his glasses off and rubs his blind eye, not realizing it had become a nervous tell. Sitting back down, he fidgets with his glasses in his hand, not caring if things were a bit blurry. He stands again and returns to the window. Sighing, he just takes several minutes to ponder some more, the tension evident as his jaw muscles tightened and relaxed over and over.

Returning to the chair again, he picks up his camera and fidgets with it until he finds the setting he wants. Seeing Hope is back at her desk, he lifts the camera to his eye and brings her face into focus. "They wanted information."

Click

"They thought if they tortured me enough that they'd find out the master passwords into TJY's system."

The camera turns to take an upright shot. Click

"They took me into the chamber and chained me to a chair."

Click

Scott's voice wavers as a bead of sweat trickles down the side of his face. But he continues to look at Hope through the camera. "I passed out after the first beating."

Click

"When I woke up, I'd been patched up. Their physicians had looked at my eye, and gotten me cleaned up from the explosion and the first torture session."

Click

"They wanted to win my trust. Wanted to make me feel good. They promised they would let me go if I just gave them what they wanted." He swallows hard, lowering the camera to see the pictures he'd just taken. "I didn't talk."

He raises the camera again. "Mornings I spent in the torture chamber. Afternoons I spent behind a desk in front of a computer with two men behind me, beating me until I couldn't think anymore. Nights were spent in the dungeon."

Click

A tear runs down Scott's face. "They fed me rice, water, and once in a while some bread."

Click

"When I wouldn't budge, they showed me what happened to people who didn't talk." Scott's finger hovered on the button, but he lets go, lowering the camera again, his emotion-filled eyes remaining downcast. "I never knew her name. One of the thugs held me... while the other one started beating her. I... I screamed... I fought.. but I couldn't...."

All of a sudden, Scott's face pales and he sets the camera down on Hope's desk. "I'm sorry," he whispers. Turning quickly, it's a fast aim to the door and out. But it's not the exit he's headed for this time - it's the bathroom. Barely making it, he throws up, the emotional strain too much for his body to handle.

Strange

Opening her eyes slowly a smile forms on her face. Waking up to a cup of coffee was great and to Jason's face even better. Sitting up just a little bit Katie takes the coffee and sips it glancing to the window for a moment.

"I guess he dosnt want to wast any daylight huh?"

With minutes Katie is showered, dressed, coffee gone , gun loaded, and a small backpack with a few things slung on her back.

Some might think it was funny to see Katie in hiking boots, camo pants, and a white wife beater with a bandad tucked nicly under her hair but Katie new her old ranch atire would come in handy again sometime.

"I'm ready as I even am gonna be."

Standing from her desk Hope makes her way over to where Scott was. She had become very proude of his over the last few weeks. Even the slightest of change ment alot and was a step forward.

"Your not wasting my time Scott. You have been making improvments and even if they were small they are still there and I see them and am pleased with what I see."

Stoping alongside Scott Hope just looks out the window with him. It was a bit cloudy out today but the sun was trying to shine through.

"You know Scott I was thinking, I know you dont like talking about what happend to you and I would never force you to by any means. But I was thinking maybe if you feel up to it, you could breakdown what happend to you into numbers or me or make even put together pictures. I'd like to take that last step forward with you. I believe your strong enough now if your willing to just try. Dosnt even have to be the whole thing only a peace. If you would like to bring someone alse here with you to make you feel more comfortable you are more than welcome you. I'd even allow you to bring Domino."

Hope gives a soft smile to Scott. She didnt want to push him to much, but maybe a little bump was good.

Hearing Kyle's voice Alice smile.

"I see you got your phone fixed."

Letting his invatation liner for a moment Alice finally speaks again a little noise going on in the background of papers rustaling and some shouting.

"Seven at the plaza, sure I'll be there. Think I should bring some sugar for you too? I'll be there around 6:30. Cant wait to see you than."

Hanging up the phone Alice cant help but smile and shake her head. She was happy Kyle had invited her and today it would just be for enjoyment and sapport of a friend. No work involved.

Dialing Axel's number Jess waits till finally the vocie mail picks up.

"Hey Axel its Jess. I was wondering if you were going to the Jetstream consert
tonight. If you were I was gonna ask if I could tag along. Well just let me know. Thanks."

Haning up the phone Jess pulls all of her bags out of her car and makes her way to the front door.

Fumbaling around for the key for a moment Jess goes to unlock the door but finds it open already. That was odd she always locked the door when she left the house. Feeling the hairs on the back of her neck stiffen Jess opens the door the rest of the way and sets her bags down inside. Flicking the lights on she does a quick search of the apartment and see nothing out of place. Finding it odd but nothing wrong Jess could only assume that because she was in a hurry she forgot to lock the door this morning and for now, she would believe it.

Last time

Ryder lifts his face to rest his chin on his hands instead. "Thanks Katie." Though he was grateful, the hope had left his voice. "Carson's right... it isn't worth risking you guys. If TJY was confident he really wanted to be on the right side, they would have sent a team in already, but all they have is proof of him collaborating with the Agency, so I guess I can't really blame them." He pauses. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you right off the bat. Guess I just knew how it would turn out anyway. Appreciate your heart though."

Silent for several moments, he finally rises from the swing without looking back at Katie. "Goodnight. Can't find something or need anything, holler. I'll be in the back room." And then he is gone, the porch quiet, the night settling into its fullness.


Jason ease own on the edge of the bed and reaches up to push aside a lock of Katie's hair. He smiles a little and just watches her sleep for several moments. Finally though, he leans forward and puts the hot cop of coffee nearer her nose. "Good morning, princess," he rouses gently. "Carson's pushing to get out of here asap, so we have to roll before the sun."

Ryder holsters his handgun, then throws his blanket back over his bed. Bending down, he laces up his boots, slaps on his watch and grabs his binoculars and water canteen. Carson wanted to get to the vantage point before it got too hot, and Ryder would get them there if it killed him. Carson didn't trust him, but he'd show him he was on their side.

Carson downs his coffee and throws the leftover in the sink. "Daylight's burning!" he calls loudly.

"Sun isn't up yet," Ryder reminds, coming around the corner. "You ready for a trek?"

"Always."


Scott stands at the window, his hands in his pockets. He was worried about Angel. He was worried about Jason and Katie. He missed his house. He missed stability. He missed the desire to work. His stomach hurt and his heat hurt. He missed his dog.

Today had been a quiet visit to Hope. He hadn't spoken much. Hope hadn't pushed him. He just felt tired.

He keeps staring out the window. His camera was back on a chair, waiting to be used, but he hadn't yet. "I feel like I'm wasting your time," he mentions quietly.


"Kyle! You gonna be ready tonight?"

Kyle pries one eye open as he hears Phil's voice on the other side of his closed door. "Mm-hmm," he mumbles.

"Alright. Mike's at three. Got it? ...Kyle?"

"Yeah, yeah." Kyle yawns and stretches. His body ached. He was incredibly sleepy, even though he'd gotten well over nine hours of sleep.

After a few minutes, he crawls out of bed, heading to the bathroom. Shower, meds, then cereal for breakfast. It wasn't exciting, but it was routine. His stomach didn't much like the day though. It was his last concert with JetStream.

Fingering the phone he'd picked up the day before, he finds Alice's number and dials. "Alice, it's Kyle. Concert tonight. It's at seven down at the plaza. If you want to come early, it's fine, just come in the back."

Look Out

Katie watches Carson and than turns back to Ryder again. Just listing to them both.

"But...Carson what if he IS being held aganst his will cant we at least check it out some how? We can't leave Ryder in the dust not when he has helped us this much."

Knowing her pleeding would get her no where Katie feels so helpless. She wanted to help Ryder, she new how hard it had to be, to have your own family member left alive and know there was nothing you could do.

Letting out her own sigh Katie goes over to the swing and sinks down next to Ryder on it. There really was nothing she could do.

"I'm sorry."

Staying silent for a moment Katie just lets her own thoughts run, thinking about many differnt things. Till finally she stratens and looks to Ryder keeping her voice low.

"Your brothers name was Brian right? Tell me what he look like and...I'll keep my eye out. Thats not saying I am making a promise to get him out, or put my team in danger but I'll keep it in mind and if it looks like there is a chanse that maybe he is on ourside or is there aganst his will...I wont leave him. You have my promise!"

The look in Katie's eyes shows she ment what she said and though she really wouldent put the other two in danger she was willing to at least make an effort to see if there was hope for Ryder's brother.

Not worth it

Hope glimmers in Ryder's eyes. "Really? You don't know what this means to me. I mean... I'm here for you guys, but... if we can get Brian too..."

The crooked smile returns. "Thanks, Katie. Even if we can't do it, I appreciate your willingness to help." He pauses, then nods his head at her question. "The Agency keeps anyone they can in their clutches for as long as their prisoners can last. I'm sure you know this. They kill parents, grab the kids and make them their slaves."

Suddenly, a shadow appears in the doorway, and Carson leans against the frame casually, looking through the screen at Katie and Ryder. Getting a surprised look from Ryder, Carson shakes his head, speaking very casually. "I didn't mean to interrupt. Please, keep going. I was just waiting for you to tell Katie why TJY hadn't supported a rescue mission."

Something flashes in Ryder's eyes and he takes a step back. "What? I mean... that's what happened with your friend Scott wasn't it? TJY just didn't want the risk."

"TJY didn't have proof Scott was alive," Carson counters. "That was the gamble they didn't approve of. You, on the other hand, are positive that your broother is in there. Why won't TJY help you?"

"I don't know," Ryder answers a tad spitefully. "They've never given me a reason."

Carson sees Ryder's eyes move to the side, then back again. He opens the screen door and slips out onto the porch, taking a stance next to Katie. "You're lying," he accuses calmly. "TJY always gives reasons, whether we like them or not." He studies Ryder's face that had started to pale. "Your brother is an agent, isn't he?"

Ryder grits his teeth, the muscles in his jaw tightening.

Carson shakes his head. "Sorry, mate, but we'll take this mission from here. I know the territory well enough myself. I'm not going to jeapordize it, running after someone who doesn't relaly want out." He turns, heading back inside.

"No, wait!" Ryder steps forward again, his eyes wide and pleading. "If we can just get him out, he'll want to stay out, I know he will! Look at you!"

"I didn't want to stay out," Carson informs. "I only wanted to save my hide. I would have double-crossed TJY in a heartbeat, just to get my Agency status back. Your brother obviously hasn't attempted to escape or get out, or even help TJY from the inside. That proves to me that he not only doesn't want to leave, but he's certainly not worth risking the four of us and the stability of TJY." He turns around again, going all the way inside.

"But he's my brother!" Ryder shouts. "I don't care if he's on the wrong side! He'll change, I know it!" Seeing that Carson was no longer listening, Ryder throws his arms up in the air, then goes to flop back down in the swing, putting his face in his hands. It always went like this.

Agree

Feeling a bit of color that had come to her face Katie drops her arm from Ryder's arm. Listening to what he has to say Katie can feel an ack as she thinks about Scott.

"It wasnt to long ago we had a friend in the hands of the Agency. We stopped at nothing to get him.."

Katie think for a long moment continplating and wondering if it could be done.

"I'll talk to the others Ryder. Its worth a try to get your brother out."

Katie gives a smile and a knowing nod.

"I think the only one that might not go long with it is Carson, but maybe if we are lucky we can get him to agree, but I cant help myself in asking why was your brother there? Is he being held like you were?"

Melt

Ryder doesn't move when Katie touches his arm, but stays where he is, evidence of him feeling torn between two choices.

"You're not playing fair," he teases quietly. "You should know better than to look at me like that. Or didn't you know that your eyes can make a bloke's heart melt?"

He shakes his head a little, daring to reach out and touch the side of Katie's face. "You really want to help... you really do see more than others do, willing to make sacrifices, despite the risks. It's been a long time since I've seen that in someone."

Realizing he might have just overstepped his bounds, he drops his hand and backs up a step. He swallows hard, then finally shrugs, signaling his defeat. "It's my brother. He's in there at the Agency base. It's been five years. I got out, he didn't. All I want is one chance to get him out... one chance to save him from the Agency's torture. Two months ago I got word he was still there and still alive. But my hands have been tied."

Trust

Walking a little closer to Ryder Katie puts an out streches hand on his arm very gently. Keeping her voice soft Katie reply.

"Ryder, what is it? Please if we can help you along with ourself..."

Katie did want to help Ryder now, the look in his eyes proved a longing one that made Katie's own heart ack.

"We've all broken rules before, what it is..what is this other mission?"

Keeping her hand on Ryder's arm Katie looks up at him her big green eyes looking back at him.

"You want me to trust you, than please trust me too."

Mission

Jason's eyes fly open, woken from his dozing state by Katie's message.

Alright... keep cool. Let me know if you need us.

He rolls off the couch and wanders casually into the kitchen where Carson still was, and keeps his voice quiet. "Katie's talking to Ryder. She says he's hiding something."

Carson nods, his eyes staying on the blueprints in front of him. "Yeah."

"Guess we all figured something was weird."

"Yeah."

Jason rolls his eyes. "And this doesn't worry you?"

Carson finally looks up, giving Jason an expression of annoyance. "What, you think Katie can't handle him?"

"No, that's not it. I meant about this whole thing."

"Oh. Not really. We'll get our job done no matter what. He's with TJY - that much I'm sure of. Whatever he's hiding will either get him in trouble, or just be something we ignore or conquer. We're getting what we came for - that much I'm sure of."


Ryder bristles just a little bit, though Katie's soft tone keeps him from becoming upset with her probing. "I understand not trusting me, but I wish you did."

Unable to stay in his vulnerable, position, he finally rights himself to stand up, forcing Katie to her feet as well as he swings his legs down. Padding in his bare feet to the porch railing, he looks out into the dark, just able to make out the trees by the light of the moon.

"Five years," he comments quietly. "Five years I've been trying to find a way in. When Reese said you guys were coming, I jumped on it because your team is the ticket I need. I couldn't do it by myself... but with a team..."

A sad sort of smile surfaces again and he turns around to look at Katie once more. "See, my own personal plans aren't in alignment with those of TJY, so I've had to ignore them for years. But now... with you three..."

A laugh escapes. "But you're all pretty dedicated to sticking with rules and regulations, so who am I fooling?"

The soberness returns, and Ryder wanders close enough to Katie to look down into her eyes. "Or would you risk your mission for another?" He shakes his head. "No... you're here for your friend, Angel. And now I see that I can't let my personal feelings or plans get in the way. So I won't interfere. I won't add to the load of this mission."

Promise

Sqinting her eyes just a little Katie trys to see past what was really there in front of her. It almost felt like Ryder was scaired of something or really being left.

"I've learned not to trust people that I dont know Ryder. I might be kind and I might be nice but I have see far to many bad things happen to good people in the cold world."

Katie thinks for a moment chooseing her words wisly, Katie opens a bit of her emotions sending a message to Jason.

He's hidding something and he is scaired if he tells us we will leave him. Dont you guys come out here guns blazing I am gonna see if I can get him to tell me. I just wanted you to be awair.

"If your honest and upfront with you Ryder we would have no reason to leave you in the dust. Thats just not us, but if you hide things it makes you look bad. I can promise you I will not leave you as long as I know what your hidding."

Katie eyes scan Ryders as her pearcing stair looks deep into them, searching, searching for what was going untold.

Whose side

"You're very dedicated to your work." There was genuine admiration in Ryder's voice, for the bold words Katie spoke.

But when she questions him, he hesitates again. Forcing a smile to the surface though, he squints at her. "And why do you still not trust me?" But guilt laid behind his eyes and he knew it. He wanted to get up and walk away, but with Katie still sitting in front of him, he didn't have an easy route of escape.

Finally, he purses his lips, becoming a little more sober. "Look, Katie... this is bigger than just you guys coming here for your antidote. This is a chance for me, and I don't want to blow it. If I told your blokes what was going on though, they'd leave me in the dust, and I can't risk that. Now you can go tell them I'm hiding something, or you can trust me that I'm here to help and leave it at that."

While his gaze asked for understanding, and tried to convince Katie that he was a friend, there was still evidence of a hidden agenda... hidden plans... whose side was he really on?

Memories

Listening to Ryder his story was alot of Carson with its minor differnces but both storys end on the good page of coming to TJY. Though there was a bit of sadness behind Ryder's on the matter there was a certin hope as well.

"My Mom and baby brother were killed by the Agency. I only got to see him once and even though I was small its the only memorie I have of him. I havent visited those memories in a while."

Katie is silent for a moment it was obvies that there was some pain attached to work words and behind her eyes on the memories. So many things when hand and hand with that event that it was hard to just think of the good.

But as fast as the smile faded another one made itself know though Katie for a moment picked up on Ryders hesatance and change of subjest.

"Thank you for the comment but beautiful or not I would follow my team to the death. This is my job and I know the dangers when I started out. I mean I can be in danger walking out my front door too I am a Pent. I goes with the family name, so like my family I want to do something to maybe make a better future."

Stopping for a moment Katie finally turns her whole body to Ryder a bit of worry, and maybe a bit of her strongness she had shown with him earlyer showing.

"Ryder, is there something your not telling us? We need to know as much as we can and if you know something we dont...."

Unspoken

Ryder listens to Katie, his stare a pensive one as he takes in who this woman was. At her question, he shakes his head. "I wound up with TJY because I needed help."

Sighing, his eyes drift to the darkness. He didn't normally talk about this. But it seemed easy with Katie. "My family was randomly selected by Medridge when I was just a kid. I saw my parents murdered, and I was taken in by the Agency to channel my vengeance." He glances back to the screen door. "My story is probably similar to Carson's. But I never did conform. I was trapped, forced against my will to take the wrong side. Until finally there was one mission where TJY was on to us and I ran. Reese asked me to join them and I couldn't refuse. So... here I am."

A grin surfaces again. "I give tours to city-slicker vacationers half the time, and the other half, I'm working for TJY."

Ryder looks down for a moment, his thumbnail working at a bit of dried-out paint on the swing. "When we go in to find the antidote, there's..."

His voice trails off as if he's changed his mind about what it was he was going to say. He catches Katie's eye again, watching her. "You realize you're too beautiful to risk getting hurt out here, don't you?"

Hit home

Giving a soft smile Katie is quiet for a moment thinking about something else to say.

"Mmmm...I like working for TJY. I've meet alot of nice people and I like the thrill of a case. My title is Bodyguard and thats my passion but I do a little bit of everything."

Leaning forward again Katie leans her arms on her legs as she gently pushs the swing.

"I guess its always a little hard on a case though when it hits so close to home. I've known Angle for a long time now. Since I came to my Aunts ranch Angle has always been there. From what I am told she has been with my Aunt and her friends for years before I was even born. She's been through alot and has beaten the Agency so many times. She dosnt deserve to die like this."

Katie gives a small shake of her head before a smile forms on her face again.

"So...How did you come to be part of TJY?"

Katie rests her head on her hand but turn to look at Ryder her eyes giving a sparkle.

Keep talking

Having Katie lean on him Ryder shifts just a little, but doesn't mind it at all. Stretching his arms back behind his head, he takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

"We all want to do something good before we die, I think. Almost as if we're born with that desire. Just don't ever let this job kill that fire of yours. 'Cause it can, and easily."

Ryder's own eyes take on a different light, not quite sadness, but not happiness either. "I know what the wrong side feels like too. Every day feels like once more chance to try and make up for it, somehow." He wanted to say more. Something else was on the tip of his tongue. Something about this case. Something about what he was doing here. But it remains unspoken.

Looking back to Katie's face, his smile returns. "I haven't had a woman as pretty as you talk to me in a long time. Keep talking... I like the sound of your voice."

Not always

Sitting down on the swing Katie cant help but give a small laugh. Leaning back a little on Ryder Katie props up her elbow on his leg not thinking of it. Turning to look at him she gives a small smile just looking for a moment taking in his deep blue eyes looking for the reason to her question.

Looking away again Katie thinks before speaking.

"I only told Jason that I would rather die knowing I did something, than die knowing I did nothing."

Turning a little Katie looks at Ryder a soft smile on her lips. She wasnt sure why she was telling him this. Maybe it was because he was a stranger.

"I wasnt always the best person to know. I guess not only do I enjoy doing this but its also my restribution."

Introduction

Ryder has one leg stretched out across the swing and is leaning back against the armrest, just listening to the sounds of the evening.

Seeing Katie come out, he just watches her quietly, not even sure if she realized he was there. She was different from the other TJY agents he knew. She didn't have the same hardness to her. It was obvious that she would viciously defend those she cared about, but behind her eyes... there was a softness that hadn't been destroyed by life. Cocking his head, Ryder just watches, not saying anything.

As she speaks, a grin creeps across his lips. He knew exactly what she meant. He'd spent a lot of years in the city. And though this little hideaway was meant for TJY business, and things sometimes were dangerous or stressful... it had always felt like just a little slice of heaven, once the sun set.

Having Katie turn to him, he looks up at her, not suspiciously, but simply trying to figure out her motives perhaps. And receiving her gesture to start over, it takes him just a moment. But his smile proves he isn't going to say no.

Ryder stretches out his hand to shake Katie's, his grip a little softer than earlier. "Truce, ya dang sheila." Giving a short chuckle, he doesn't let go, but instead, pulls her closer, just fast enough so that she's forced to sit down on the swing with him.

Still halfway lying down, he looks up at her and shakes his head. "Nice to meet you, Katie. I'm Ryder." He pauses, the moon bouncing off his blue eyes. "I've been wrapped up in this thing for years with more pain and sorrow to start me out than anything. But you... you seem the type to have chosen this kind of life. Why?"

Try again

Finishing up the dishes Katie whipes her hands off on the towel and turns looking around the room for a moment. Seeing Carson looking over the blueprints Katie figures later or tomarrow she would look at them herself. Going to the counter she pours herself a cup of tea.

Seeing Jason on the couch she makes her way over to him standing at his head. Running her free hand through his hair for a moment she bends down to give him a kiss.

"I am gonna get some fresh air."

Heading out onto the back pourch Katie leans agains the railing taking a sip of her tea and looking out into the night sky. Watching the fire flys dart back and forth and listing to the night sounds. For a moment it would seem like Katie didnt even notice Ryder was there, but she did.

"Its nice being out here in the quiet again. I never really apresheated the quiet, just sitting and listing to the night sounds untill I moved into nevada and I didnt have anymore. Its nice to get just a peace of that again in the casos. "

Drawing silent for a moment takes takes another sip of her tea again before still leaning on the railing turns to Ryder.

"Listen I am sorry to earlyer. I'm not normaly that forward, but when it comes to my team I take there safty searouse. So I am sorry if I was a bit pushy. Lets try this again no hard feelings."

Taking a few steps twords Ryder Katie told out her hand as the moonlight shines in the background giving her a soft glow.

"Hi, I'm Katie."

Unspoken

Ryder takes Katie's warning, absorbing it without flinching. His eyes roam hers. "I don't like crossing anybody, let alone a spitfire like you. There's an awful lot of "me" and "I" in there though. I get the feeling you've got more at stake here than these two blokes."

"She's close to the victim," Jason intervenes. "But don't think we don't feel just as strongly about not being crossed."

"If I'd wanted to cross you, I would have killed you a minute ago." Ryder turns a chair around to straddle it, and sits back down. "Either we call a truce or you all can walk. Up to you."

Before any more can be said, Carson raises his hands. "Look, guys. Let's do what we came here for, huh? Ryder, we didn't trust you, but we'll try. You didn't trust up, but hopefully we proved we're on the right side here. It's done. Now let's move on with plans, or we're never going to get what we came here for."

"Thank you." Ryder nods. "So you're here to find an antidote. And you're assuming it's in the lab of the Agency base here."

"Right."

"Then let me explain a few things..." Ryder proceeds to tell the three that he had an inside contact at the Agency who had been feeding him information for over a year, that he'd been sharing with TJY. He had never ventured close to the facility, scared of blowing his cover, or his contact's cover. He knew where the lab was because of his contact, and he knew the daily routines of workers there, by observing with binoculars from a safe distance. He knew where the lab was located through blueprints that had been smuggled to him, and he knew the different levels of security.

By the time he finishes telling them all of that, the afternoon has wore on. "But... the problem is, that the last two days, there's been a lot of traffic. The authorities have been down there, checking things out after a disturbance call of some sort. I haven't been able to dig deep enough to know what's going on. But it might take a couple days to get close enough to get in."

"We don't have that much time," Jason argues.

"Then you'll wind up inside as a prisoner." Ryder purses his lips grimly. "It's just that simple."

"But..."

"Jase," Carson interrupts. "He's right. Better to risk taking longer and do this right, than storming the castle when we're so outnumbered. We need to come up with a way to get in under their noses... under their radar. The only thin we can do is pray that Angel will last until we can get back to her."

Bags are unpacked and dibs are called on the beds or the couch for the night. They would all bed down early, for it would be a very early start in the day. Ryder wanted to set out on foot while it was still dark to reach a good vantage point where they could observe the Agency's movements.

The sun is sinking low on the horizon, and insects can be heard, bringing the night in. Jason stretches out on the living room couch and stares up at the ceiling, exhausted, but far from sleep. Carson sits in the kitchen at the table, going over the base blueprints. And Ryder sits on the back porch swing, looking out into the darkness. He had grown quiet after their late supper, seeming to have a lot on his mind, though he had not shared. While nerves had settled along with distrusting tension, something had still gone unspoken.

Doublecross

Bringing a pen to her lips Jess acts as thought she is thinking as a grin forms on her lips.

"Noon at Mom and Pop's...I think I can pencil you in. I shall see you than."

Taking the package Jess places it on the desk and gives a small laugh before sitting down and continuing her work.

Continuing to listen to Ryder Katie cant help but brisle as he evades her question. She didnt like how this felt at all.

Glancing at Carson for a moment as he starts in with his own questions Katie becomes more uneasy but trys to controll her own emotions to not make anyone go haywire.

"Dodging questions, and answering questions with questions is not a good way to make someone trust you, you know."

As Carson makes his quick movment twords Ryder and there little tiff goes on Katie is out of her own chair ready to take action if needed. Seeing Ryder back up and noticing the shotgun in the courner Katie goes for her own gun but it to late before the shotgun is pointed at them. Backing up a few steps and looking at Jason and than Ryder again with a bit of confustion but as the shotgun is finally lowered Katie relaxed just a little.

Watching Ryders every movment and listening to ever word Katie feels a bit better around him but not completely. Knowing for now though that she had to trust him she sits back down.

"Nope no more questions for now, but I will be keeping my eye on you. Carson I trust even if he was with the Angecy I have seen his good side. You...I dont know you worth a lick, tred lightly and gain my trust and we might pull this off."

Leaning back just a little bit in her chair Katie continues.

"DON'T double cross me though, I dont take kindly to that not when someone who is close to me life is on the line. For now, you have a bit of my trust."

Katie can't help the grin that formed on her face though there was turth behind her eyes.

Fight

Rocky can't help his grin. "Oh, alright. If Jem Ferchin doesn't want to show herself, then I guess I can take you to lunch instead."

Watching Jess sign her name more slowly, he chuckles. "Well, I'll be. You are Jess Fisher! Then I'd be delighted to meet you for lunch at noon at..." He pauses and thinks. "Mom and Pops is good with me."


Listening to Carson and Ryder, Jason too, feels something a little off kilter.

Yeah, not sure quite what it is yet. I just don't feel like spilling too much information in front of him right now.

Receiving Katie's question, Ryder looks to her quickly. And for a moment, he just studies her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ya know... you're an interesting team. Carson asks me questions he expects me to know, yet you question my knowledge when I've answered him."
He lifts an eyebrow and glances back to Carson. "Is it you she doesn't trust, or me?"

Carson grins a little. "Maybe both. But I wouldn't leave her in the dark unless you want to get on her bad side."

Ryder's mouth curls up at the corners, and he stands up to clear some of the paper plates off the table. "How does anybody know anything with security so tight? You think I'm with TJY without knowing anything about this area and what's happening?"

Jason bristles just a little. "You still haven't answered Katie's question."

Ryder turns from the sink. "I hear an implication in your tone."

"Maybe."

Carson looks back and forth between the men, analyzing the situation. So far he'd played things pretty cool, acting as though he trusted Ryder and who he was supposed to be. But he hadn't given away any information, also feeling the same way Katie had. He just hadn't gotten around to asking pointed questions yet - she'd beat him to it.

Ryder shakes his head. "Look, I don't know what Reese told you you'd find here, but I'm it. Either you trust me, or you're on your own, and I wouldn't recommend that."

Now it's Carson's turn to bristle. He gives Katie a glance, letting her know that he agreed with her questioning tone. "If you don't have anything to hide, then why won't you answer us about security? Do you have computers? Blueprints? An inside contact? What?"

"I've got eyes out there. I see the comings and goings for long enough to figure these things out."

"So you don't have actual proof of where the lab is."

"I didn't say that." Ryder moves closer to the table again. "I know what there is, and I'm here to get you in and out again."

Jason narrows his gaze. "I hope it's true about the getting out part."

Ryder throws up his arms. "What do you want? Confirmation from Reese?" He grabs a phone and picks it up. "Your call or mine."

Carson leans back in his chair, just watching. "Ryder, you haven't even checked us out. That seems pretty sloppy in itself. Then you expect to follow you blind? Allys don't normally expect to be trusted right off the bat."

"Look, what is this?" Ryder looks between all three. "I'm trying to help you out, and you're starting an interrogation process." He shakes his head and moves back to the table. "I suggest we get down to business and..."

He can't even finish his sentence. Carson is so quick to get up that his chair falls over. He moves with speed, going to pin Ryder's arm behind his back, but the other Australian is quicker, sidestepping the motion and coming back with a quick sweep to Carson's legs. Carson counters and goes for a jab to the mouth, but Ryder ducks, his own fist going for Carson's ribs. Carson sidesteps and finally gets an opening to put Ryder in a choke hold. "That's Agency routine," he hisses into Ryder's ear. "I know those moves because they were drilled into my head. The pattern is the same. Now you better start talking about who you really are unless you want a broken neck."

Ryder struggles under Carson's grip, and gasps for air. In a move of despiration, he drops to one knee, throwing Carson over his shoulders and onto the floor. Seeing Jason move, Ryder backs up, and in less than a second, he's got a sawed-off shotgun cocked aimed at the group. Breathing heavily, he looks at all three. "Jason, who first called you Hotshot?"

"What?" Jason's anger starts to rise and he tries to contain it for now.

"Who first called you Hotshot?" Ryder repeats, raising his voice. "Tell me, or so help me, I'll blow your head off."

"It was Laura!" Jason holds up his hands. "What does that have to do with..." His sentence trails off as he sees Ryder lower the shotgun.

Carson finally gets up off the floor. "What in blazes is going on?"

Ryder lets out the breath he'd been holding, and uncocks the gun. "You guys really know how to push the limits, don't you?" He shakes his head. "I thought I might never find out if you were for real or not."

Carson looks at Katie, then Jason, then back to Ryder. "Are you crazy?"

"For being here? Yes. Look, I'm sorry. But I had to make sure you guys weren't from the other side. Internet has been down for two days. Reese couldn't get me the specs and I didn't know what any of you looked like. You think you've been walking blind, so have I. Reese told me about the nickname, so that was my only source of making sure you all were the right people."

Carson lifts his eyebrows, bewildered. "Well now that you believe we're from TJY, what about you? I spent a year in training at the Agency to learn those moves."

Ryder shakes his head and puts the shotgun back in the corner by the cubboards. "I spent a year in training too."

"So you are with the Agency." Jason is so confused, that his anger disperses.

"No." Ryder looks down, his tone growing quiet. "But I was." An awkward pause follows, and he drops whatever story there might be about the past. "It was a long time ago. And now I'm on your side. I know about the place here because I have an inside contact. I wasn't going to just blurt that out in case you were from the Agency, come to feel me out. I don't have all the equipment and technoligy out here like you do back in the States. No security measures, other than my own brain."

Carson takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he folds his arm across his chest. "Alright. So... are we all clear on this then. Are we going to trust each other or what?"

"I will if you do." Ryder nods to Katie. "Sorry. You were right to question me. I just didn't know if I could answer you yet or not." He glances to Carson and Jason again. "I was telling the truth when I said we had to sit a day or two. If you're willing to listen, I'll tell you more about it. If you think you need to call Reese still, go ahead, but the phone lines aren't secure. You were followed by a TJY agent all the way here, and he's the only reason I knew who you were supposed to be at the airport. Now... are we trusting each other?" He looks to Katie, seeming to sense that she might be the hardest to convince. "Please believe me. I'll answer any questions you have."

How?

Looking up from her desk a smile spreads across her face as she see Rocky. As her lips curl a little more, a more sassy grin makes itself known.

"Listen here, I let it slide the first time but now I cant take it. There is no Jem Ferchin here only me, butttt....I am more than willing to give you my sig and go to lunch with a rock star."

Taking the package Jess slowly down her writting a little so you can clearly see what her name was.

"Time and place and I will be there."

Listing to everything Ryder was saying Katie picks up on the small details here and there relizing he was skimming over a few things about himself.

I wonder, maybe when we can we should bring it to Carson's attachen.

Within no time they are to the cabin and Katie gets out. Taking a glance around she smiles. She loved being in the country.

"Mmmmm..to me this is heaven not roughing it. It reminds me of home minus the horses."

Grabbing her bag Katie follows the other inside. Claming witch room was hers she thorws her bags onto the bed and takes a few things out that she would including making sure her gun was in her holster and on her. Making her way back downstairs she slids onto one of the stools next to Jason for lunch.

Continuing to listen once again Katie has a peek of caution as Ryder rambles off much information about The Agency's set up. It was off to her and she couldnt help but ask.

"Ryder I dont mean to be rude and all but how is it that you know so much about The Agencys building if the sacurity is so tight?"

Taking her sip of water Katie just watchs Ryder waiting for his reply.

South side

"Suite yourself." Ryder holds the door open for Katie. "Watch the seatbelt - it likes to catch."

Carson winds up in the backseat with Katie, letting Jason take the passenger seat beside Ryder.

Once out of the heavy traffic around the airport, Ryder tilts his hat back on his head and drives at a relaxed speed. He glances at Katie in the rearview mirror. "We got about two hours."

Carson stares out his window, surprisingly quiet. The scenery looked so familiar, yet so foreign. It hadn't been all that long since he'd been to Australia. But it had been a blur, living in a fog while thinking Misty was dead. He didn't really consider that time at all, part of when he spent here. No... what he remembered was years before that, when this was his life... when he'd called this territory his home.

Ryder breaks the silence. "We're going to be roughing it for a couple days. There's been a bit of activity around the location we're going to be heading to, so laying low is the best option at this point." His tone has become a little more sober as he gets down to business. "I work for a private tourist agency on a regular basis. This keeps my income up and is the perfect cover, while I work for TJY on the side. That's why it's worked so well for me to pick you guys up. We'll be staying at a cabin where we've had folks before who want to get a taste of Australia, but not so much as sleeping under the stars."

He chuckles. "We've had some doozies. I'm just glad to get some people here who have a purpose other than to gawk. Reese said he was sending the best."

The drive takes about as long as Ryder had said it would, and by the time the foursome reaches the cabin, stomaches are growling. They seemed to be out in the middle of nowhere. They'd driven half an hour on a dirt road to get here, and there were no other buildings in sight. Just trees and wildlife.

Parking near the cabin, Ryder slides out. "Come on in, the place is empty. We'll scrounge up something to eat too. Later on we can discuss a gameplan, but trust me when I say we've got time at this point. It's too dangerous to make a move right now."

Getting inside, bags are put away and soon sandwiches and water are on the table. A small air conditioner made the indoor temperature and humidity bearable, though it was still warm.

"So..." Ryder takes a sip of water as they sit around the table. "Carson, you know where the base is then?"

"I could probably get there if I looked at a map first." Carson nods and swallows a bite of sandwich. "How'd you get tangled up in this?"

"Oh, I've been feeding TJY for a few years." Something in Ryder's tone had suddenly shifted, almost to make one wonder if he was telling all.

Jason picks up on it.

Interesting. I wonder what's up there. I hope he really is on our side.

"How's security?" Carson questions.

"Tight."

"And the lab?"

"It's on the south side now."