Milkshake

Having Carson hold her in his arms felt good. Seeing him home alive was even better. Now maybe even with all that was going on she could rest just a little without the worry that before he left could be the last time she saw him.

Not basking in the moment for to long Misty pulls away from Carson. She would have time to enjoy him later now there were others who needed to be tended too.

Walking over to Ryder Misty takes the bandges off his arm to take a look at the infection. It wasnt so bad yet and from the looks of it there was no poison on the bullet like the others had been.

Going back to the cabneit Misty gets a tray puting a few items on it to clean the infection annd than suw up the wound before walking back over to Ryder and setting the tray down.

Jess trys to offer a smile to Scott as she stands hearing someone else she didnt know would be in soon. Thinking for a moment Jess really wasnt sure if she would be here still or not. She certinly didnt feel safe going home but she was so confused right now she didnt know where she was gong.

"I dont really know. I dont want to take your bed from you agan, and I just dont know right now I guess."

Seeing the little dog wiggaling at the door Jess gives another smile going to the door herself.

"I better let you take this little thing out before she goes right here on the floor than I would feel worse than I do drooling on you. I'll see you again most likly."

Slowly slipping out of the room Jess can hear people making there way to the infermary though one voice in perticuler catches her ears the most even if his acent was a little thicker now. Jess quickens her pace as she goes twords the innfermary. She had wanted to see Carson since last night and now she could.

Entering she see Carson standing with Misty and someone alse she didnt know treating him. At first she didnt want to really bother them and was tempted to turn and leave the infermary was pack with people having Jason and Katie in there too, but Jess really did want to see Carson and hear him said it was be ok.

Taking a few steps closer to him Jess reaches out and lays a hand on his arm.

"When your not busy....can I get a milkshake?"

Back

Jason lets his head rest on Katie's as she leans on his shoulder and he closes his eyes, giving her hand a squeeze in reply. The closer they were, the smoother the connection, the more peace was felt. His mind wanders for a moment, wondering what the future held for them now. Would it always be like this? Or would things change?

...Ryder steps over Jason and Katie's legs to ease back down in his seat by the airplane window. Carson had taken a look at his shoulder again, unbeknownst to the airline stewards. It hadn't looked all that great after it had started to bleed again. He needed stitches, but there was no way that could be done now, and from the way it looked, Carson feared that a fast infection was starting.

Ryder closes his eyes and leans back against the window. He'd like to maybe talk with Katie or have her look at him again with those reassuring eyes. But he knew better when Jason was around. Katie was a knockout, but she was definitely taken.

Feeling hot and lethargic, he tries to sleep, but is in too much pain to be comfortable. He felt sick and a little dizzy, but was unsure if it was due to his wound, or the plane ride.


Scott lies still, knowing Jess was startled enough to wake up here, and not wanting to make it worse. A small grin creases his lips at her comment, and he looks down at his shirt. "Eh... Domino got me on the other side. Your drool would just even me out."

He pull himself up to sit against the wall and yawns. Domino stands up by the door again, wiggling with excitement.

Scott sighs. "Alright, alright... I'm coming." Going outside was still not his favorite thing to do, but it wasn't quite as bad as it used to be. It was scary, but unless startled, the panic didn't seem to be as intense.

He finally stands up and stretches, yawning again. "Dalton will be in here soon," he muses. Looking at Jess, he cocks his head. "Are... you staying at TJY for a while?"


Layovers, several stops, and more planes. The hours seem to drag on. No one had gotten much good rest, though they had slept some. Nevada never seemed further away.

The day turns into night, but the team won't stay at a hotel once back in the States. They needed to catch the first plane home. By now, Ryder is feverish and even more weary, barely staying with it to keep up. The only thing that kept him going was pressure from Carson. But he was in such a fog that he was already not remembering half the trip.

Never had Nevada looked so good. It's morning when the team finally lands for the last time, finds the waiting van, and drives to TJY. The darkness amplifies the tiredness of the foursome, yet the exhaustion is overtaken by adrenaline that keeps them continuing to their goal - to get the pack of vials to Rick and Misty to find the antidote.

TJY's parking lot shows that many had already shown up for work today, proving too, that both physicians are there. Ryder has trouble forcing his eyes to stay open. He felt like a robot. This whole thing seemed so foreign - literally. He'd been to the US a few times, but only for a day or two at a time, work-related. To think that he was now here indefinitely... Perhaps being here wasn't as drastic as a European country, or any country were English wasn't spoken... but it was still going to be a culture shock and he knew it.

Lagging behind, he trudges behind Carson, Katie and Jason, his feet scuffing the pavement, dizziness causing him to stagger. He feels Carson help support him, but everything is just kind of blurry and foggy.

Boy does it feel good to be back here.
Though in a hurry, Jason takes the time to sling his arm around Katie as they walk, planting a kiss on her head. It did feel good... they'd made it back... they were alive... they'd been successful as far as they knew. He glances over his shoulder.
Let's just hope we got Ryder back here in time too. He's not doing so great.

Getting to the infirmary, no one bothers to knock. Luke and Jeff have gone to the break room for coffee, leaving Angel, Rick and Misty.

Rick looks up quickly, his eyes widening. A wave of relief hits him. "Praise the Lord," he breathes. "You made it."

All four coming in, Carson is busy with Ryder, and takes him to the table, easily getting him to lie down. "Just stay here a minute," he directs.

Ryder hurts too much to care, and just closes his eyes, the perspiration trickling down the side of his face.

The team looked a mess. They were hot, tired, smelly and dirty. But they were back.

Carson spots Misty and just stops for a moment, looking at her. A smile spreads. "Are you ever a sight for sore eyes." Moving closer, he wraps his arms around her in a strong hold, not waiting to give her a kiss to the lips.

Withdrawing though, he knows that anything more will have to wait. "We got stuff for you and Rick to work on an antidote. But I got a guy here who needs help too." He gestures to Ryder. "Gunshot wound to the shoulder. It hasn't been sewed up, and I think it's infected."


Jason hangs back with Katie for a moment, glancing over to see that Angel was still alive, though she looked so still and pale. "Rick..." Letting down his backpack, he rummages for the smaller pack. "There's a lot of stuff in here... one of them might be the antidote. One of them is the poison, so either way, we should be good."

Rick takes the pack and immediately goes to the counter to spread out and look at everything. He leaves Misty to the newcomer for now.

sorry

Whats one person to save when you can add another.

Moving a little closer to Jason Katie take his hand in her than gives a quick look over her should. She felt so bad for Ryder. Losing a brother was enough, but to be shot, and lost your home in the same day Katie couldnt even imagen.

Leaning her head on Jason's shoulder Katie nuzzles in a little bit. After all the excitment she was so tired now and sleep was welcomed.

We did do good. I love having our connections to be able to talk with you anytime I want.

Moving her head a little Jess gives a soft waking up moan. As if finally relizing she was laying on someone Jess shoots up her eyes wide. Looking around the room quickly Jess finally relizes where she is and her shoulder drop a little as the tention starts to go away a little. Turning Jess looks at Scott though she just woke up her voice still sounded tired.

"I'm sorry...I think I drooled on you."

Upside down

Ryder doesn't respond to the teasing, and just shifts his weight a little, keeping his head sunk in Katie's lap. Every bump in the road hurt. Yet he felt so numb, inside and out. It was like he was stuck between sleep and awake, in that strange state where one feels like they're up and moving, but in reality, it's just a dream. If it weren't for the physical pain he was in, he'd believe he was still in bed, dreaming this horrible nightmare.

Tired and weak from the loss of blood, Ryder's hand slowly loses its grip on Katie's, and he slips into something closer to sleep.

The ride to the airport is too long. But Carson had driven as fast as he could. He knew that by now the cabin was probably crawling with Agency thugs, and that most likely, they had men on their way into the city as well.

The team needed to get access to the first route to the US. It wouldn't be easy - they hadn't planned on just showing up unannounced, let alone with an injured man.

"Come on, Ryder." Carson helps Ryder from the truck, assisting him in pulling a clean shirt over his head. Since the bleeding had stopped in his shoulder, they might just be able to make it past security without too many questions. Though Ryder remained very pale.

Ryder tries to keep himself alert, though it's difficult. It was hot outside, but he felt like he was in an oven. He numbly trudges with the group into the airport - it took all he had not to just collapse and sleep again.

God's intervention was the only explanation for the ease in which the team got through security. The airport personnel seemed distracted and in a hurry, barely looking at passports. The team shouldn't have been able to catch the plane that was almost leaving, but somehow they were allowed to board.


We're almost there.

Jason sits next to Katie in the plane, making sure his bag was safe at his feet. While it held what could save Angel's life, it was what was in his back pocket still that held much of his goal for getting home as quickly as possible.

He turns his head to glance at Katie for a moment, and he offers a small smile.

We did good out there... I'm glad they pair us up for teamwork... if there's anybody I'd want with me on missions like this, it's you.

He pauses his silent words for a moment, glancing around Katie to Ryder's still form.

Let's just hope he's alright by the time we get back to Nevada. We gotta save Angel, but now we gotta make sure he makes it too.

Though those sitting around him might have thought that Ryder was asleep, right now, he wasn't. His head rests against the window, and he stares out into nothingness, his eyes dull. His shoulder throbbed. But his heart hurt more. His world had just been turned completely upside down. There were too many feelings to sort through. There was a sorrowful anguish... there was disappointment... there was a slow burning anger. But nothing surfaces... it all just stays inside, churning waiting for the time when they would be released


Domino looks up as her master stirs, and she's quick to rise, trotting to the door where she scratches it lightly.

Scott glances over to her. "Not yet," he whispers. "Not everybody is up yet."

Domino sighs and sits by the door to wait patiently.

Scott looks at his watch, squinting in the dim light. Dalton would probably be here shortly. Which meant this place of rest would soon be an office again.

ZzZzZzZz.....

Shaking her head at Carson Katie keep the pressure on Ryder wound trying to get the bleeding to stop just watching the others rush around.

Finally getting into the car Katie makes sure Ryder's head is positioned in her lap comfortably. Her hand still interlocked with him.

"Hang in there you ok. Everything is gonna be ok."

I hope so too....just got to have to keep our fingers cross.

Katie cant help but the small laugh that slips from her lips as her mouth turn up in a grin.

"Who thought big bad Ryder would be scaired of a plan."

Katie gives a small squeeze to Ryder's hand showing she was only playing around with him. While on the inside she still felt so bad for him. Everything had been taken away Katie couldnt even imagen how that much feel.

Fib

Ryder's eyes open again, though tiredly, and he looks up at Katie as she straightens. Though Carson is there, he pays no attention, looking only at Katie, a million and one different thoughts and feelings racing through his eyes.

Carson can't help the grin that twitches the corner of his mouth as he wipes the blood off his hands. "If I'da known that getting shot was a way to get a kiss from you..." He cocks his head, clicking his tongue. "Mm. I must not have been paying attention when that was taught."

His eyes drift up to catch Katie's with a mischievous twinkle. He knew why Katie had kissed Ryder, and it hat worked. But he couldn't resist teasing her.

Suddenly, Jason comes back into the room. "They're about half a mile away, sweeping the area," he informs. "We gotta get out of here, and fast. We might be able to hold them off, but I'm not so sure we won't take more hits if we try."

Carson shifts into overdrive once more. "Jason, grab all our stuff from the back rooms. Katie, stay in here with Ryder and keep pressure on that hole. We've got to get that bleeding stopped."

Jason moves, and so does Carson, heading in two directions. They gather everything together in a hurry, Carson even going into Ryder's quarters to find his passport, and throw a bunch of stuff into a bag for him.

Ryder swallows hard and lays back, a wave of dizziness hitting him.

Within minutes, all four are gathered in the kitchen again. "Come on, Ryder, stick with us." Carson helps him off the table, after taping a thick bandage in place on his shoulder. "We're getting out of here."

"No," Ryder argues weakly. "I can't."

"You have to."

"But..." Ryder looks around the room. This was his home. "They... they don't know it's me... I can stay."

"They'll find out," Carson states sternly. "You have to come with us. We're not going to leave you here to die."

Ryder doesn't have the energy to fight back. All he can do is throw Katie a sorrowful look. He'd been hit one too many ways today.

Getting out to the pickup, Carson drives, directing Jason to ride shotgun as a lookout, and he helps Ryder lie down in the back seat with his head in Katie's lap. They're on the road within minutes.

"Where are we going?" Jason questions.

"The airport."

"How are we going to get Ryder through?"

Carson thinks, keeping his eyes on the road. "He's afraid of flying."

Ryder's eyes are closed, but he's awake enough to hear. "I'm not," he mumbles.

"Yes you are," Carson states flatly. "At least today. That's why you look as bad as you do."

Jason grimaces.
Let's hope security buys that. We may be Elite agents, but they could hold us up for a long time before we can get to a plane.

A bump in the road makes Ryder wince. His hand finds Katie's again. In a pit of darkness, she was the only light he could see right now.


The office door opens and Rick peeks in, expecting to find Scott, and surprised to see that no only were Scott and Domino there, but Jess as well. All three were sound asleep. A smile crosses Rick's lips. He would let them sleep. Somehow, two weary souls had found each other.

As the door clicks shut again, Scott's eyes are pried open. He doesn't move, but glances around, trying to remember just where he was. His body told him it was morning. Moving slightly, he feels the warm body next to him and suddenly remembers that he's not alone. Jess' head was still resting on his chest, his arm was still around her. He couldn't remember a night that he hadn't tossed and turned... but last night apparently he hadn't moved a bit and for the first time, he felt almost refreshed.

I think

Forgetting everything alse would her Katie is taken in surprisingly by the moment. The last time Ryder and her had kissed it had not been anything like this. It surprised her just a bit at how good a kisser he was and the feelings that washed over her.

Pulling away Katie cant help the smile that spread across her lips.

"I think your gonna make it after all."

Looking over to Carson Katie cant help the bit of color that comes to her face as she starts to stand up a bit straghter still holding Ryder's hand.

"Right?"

Air

At first, Katie's move towards Ryder makes his eyes widen, confused, unsure what she's doing. But suddenly her lips are pressed to his own, her kiss coming on sweet and strong. Taken totally off guard, his head jerks, but then relaxes. He wasn't sure if this was reality or if he was delirious, but either way, he didn't really care. His eyes slowly close and he can't help but return the kiss with soft energy that proves the pain in his shoulder is briefly forgotten. Ryder's grip on Katie's hand turns into a gentler hold, his thumb running through her palm.

Carson is working as quickly as he can, but seeing Katie kiss Ryder, he stops, blinking for just a moment. Forced to keep working though, he keeps his thoughts and comments in check. Suddenly his knife and finger hit something hard. He'd found the bullet. Easing it out, he cringes a little as more flesh is torn. Ryder would need more than what help he could offer, but hopefully he'd last until they had time to stop.

Setting down the bullet and knife on the table, Carson presses a clean cloth to the wound, trying once more to get the bleeding to stop. He glances back to Katie. "You can come up for air now."

Anything

Following Carson and Jason quickly into the cabin Katie takes Ryder's hand as Carson starts to work on his shoulder. Trying her best to keep eye on tact and hold him still it was hard.

If anyone knows what they are doing its Carson when it comes to this stuff.

Continuing to keep Ryder still Katie glances as Jason leaves.

If you see anyone, yell.

Hearing what Carson said about keeping Ryder still Katie trys to hold him but cant. He was fighting so hard and the pain only increased the strangth. Thinking quick Katie leans closer to Ryder bringing her free hand to move the sweaty matted down hair from his forhead and run it down the side of his face. Bringing her face even closer she would wisper.

"We would do anything to survive."

Bringing her lips to Ryder's Katie puts her feelings and emotions into the kiss. It was one of the only things she could think of doing to keep Ryder's mind off the pain. Keeping her hand on the side of his face Katie lets the moment wash over her as the moment continues.

Bullet

Jason follows Katie's information, relying on her to move the team forward. He trusted her instincts and her words. While Carson was uneasy following blind, to Jason it was normal.

The the team reaches the ground floor. At the end of the last hall two guard could be seen approaching outside, already alerted to the team's intrusion.

"Katie, get those guards out of the way. Jason, open the door." Carson gives orders, trusting the teamwork of his friends, even if he couldn't understand it..

Ryder follows lethargically, wincing a little when he's pushed around.

Once outside, the team can see several men coming their way, high-powered rifles aimed at them. Jason doesn't even think. The rifles explode. The men shout and jump back, some injured, some just scared.
Make 'em run, Katie.

The trek back up the trail takes much more time than calculated, with Ryder's strength dwindling. Jason looks over his shoulder once to see jeeps dispersed from the plant. "We're too slow."

"I know, but no one is staying behind." Carson might not have always agreed with Ryder, but there was no way he'd leave him.

Sweat poured down the sides of Ryder's face. Out of breath, he tries to keep up, relying on Carson and Jason, his legs feeling like lead weights. "There's no time," he manages hoarsely. "Get yourselves out of here."

Carson and Jason keep up the pace, ignoring the request. Stumbling through the brush, the river was the next obstacle.

"Make it fast," Ryder advises, gasping for breath. "Crocs are gonna think it's dinner time with all this blood."

Carson grimaces as they enter the waist-high water. "Great. That's all we need."

Thankfully, all four make it to the other side without incident. The trek continues through the brush and bramble, Ryder falling once, being picked up by Carson and Jason again. No time could be wasted.

Finally making it back to the cabin, they burst in through the back door. "Clear off the kitchen table," Carson barks. "We gotta move fast before we're discovered here." He drags Ryder toward the kitchen.

Once the table is cleared, he gets Ryder to lay on his back, pulling off his shirt to leave clear access to the bullet wound.

"What are you doing?" Jason questions.

"Getting the bullet out." Carson glances around the kitchen and starts searching the cupboards. "We don't have time for one or two days at a hospital."

"But..."

"Get me the first aid kit."

Jason hesitates before running to the bathroom.
I hope he knows what he's doing.

Ryder tries to sit up and roll off the table, but Carson puts Katie to work. "Don't let him up. He's lost too much blood the way it is. Hold him down." Still scrounging around, he finally finds a half-empty bottle of whiskey in one of the cupboards.

Coming back to Ryder, with no mercy, he pours some of the alcohol over the wound.

Ryder flinches and tries to sit up again, but is held down.

"Here." Carson offers some of the alcohol to him as the only thing closest to a pain killer that they had.

Ryder bites his lip, then accepts, coughing just a little as it burns down his throat. But it was nothing compared to the way his shoulder felt.

Once Jason is back with the first aid kit, Carson burns a knife on the stove to sanitize it and is back, ready to take the bullet out. "Jason, go keep watch out back to make sure we weren't followed." Then he looks at Ryder grimly. "This is gonna hurt."

Just lucid enough to understand, Ryder takes a deep breath and stares up into Katie's eyes. As Carson digs for the bullet, tears of pain form in Ryder's eyes, but he doesn't move. His focus remains a steady stare into Katie's eyes, while his fingers hold her hand in a vice grip.

But as Carson digs deeper, Ryder's reflexes kick in and his body starts to fight back as he tries to sit up, pulling away from the pain.

Carson can feel the knife start to slip and grits his teeth. "Katie, hold him," he directs quickly. "Do anything to keep him still - I can't risk more damage."

Clear

Holding Ryder while Carson looks the worry and confusion can be seen in Katie's eyes. Katie can't help but cringe as she hears Ryder call out his brothers name. Glancing to the other end of the hall at the body just laying her heart acks for Ryder.

Heading down the stairs Katie goes first making sure the cost was clear for the other.

The stairway is clear.

Going through the door at the bottom vocies can be hurd at the other end as Katie quickly goes back through the door only keeping it open a crack.

Hold Up!

Keeping her gun drawn Katie was ready for anything if she had to she protect her friends no matter the cost.

Finally as the voices are gone Katie gives a nod.

Ok good to move again.

Backtracking a few steps Katie checks on the others to make sure they are ok and keeping up alright.

Pain

Ryder's eyes flutter open then shut again, hearing Katie's voice. He moves his hand, grasping Katie's arm as a surge of pain hits him.

Seeing Ryder, Jason's heart leaps into his throat. "Carson, what happened?"

"Family feud." Carson makes eye contact with Katie and nods before he kneels next to Ryder, checking the wound under the handkerchief. "Not fatal if we can get him out of here, but it's not good either. This was too close for comfort."

Ryder cringes a little, wavering between unconsciousness and reality. "Brian..."

"Forget it, mate," Carson advises. "He's gone."

"No!" Ryder suddenly shoots up and tries to get to his feet as he remembers what happened, scrambling towards his brother, but Carson stops him.

"We're getting out of here," he orders sternly.

"No!" Ryder screams as he fights Carson's strong arms. "We can't leave him to die!"

Carson's heart aches, but he stays strong, pushing Ryder back the other direction. "He's already gone, Ryder. He's gone." He looks to Katie again. "Take the lead to the stairs. We'll get him out of here, don't worry."

Emotions flood Ryder's eyes as he's pushed backward, Brian's body becoming smaller and smaller, the farther they got away. But by the time they reached the end of the corridor and had slipped around to the stairway, the pain in his arm and the loss of blood was already making him too weak to fight. Now slung between Carson and Jason, Ryder walks numbly, trying to stay conscious.

Help

Looking between Ross and Jason for a moment Katie's own mind races.

He knows about us?!

Trying to pick up as much infomation as she can Katie only grows more confused yet understands at the same time. So this was an accident there abilitys.

"Our fathers are the ones who..."

Katies own words and questions are cut off by the sound of Carson's voice, than Ryders followed up by two gunshots.

J we have to go come on. We cant wast anymore time.

Going twords the door Katie keeps her gun drawn making sure Jason is close behind her. Glancing out the door she see Carson and it about to go twords him when she notice Ryder is not.
Looking down Katie gasps in shock to see Ryder on the ground with blood soaking through his shirt.

Without even hesatating Katie goes to him kneeling down. Checking his wound and holding her hand over it to try and stop the bleeding. Grabing a hankerchef from her pocket Katie press it to the wound. Now her hand and clothing stained with Ryder's blood she didnt care.

"Come on Ryder hang in there for me. We will get you help."

Trying her best Katie looks up to Carson her own eyes pleading.

"Come on help me get him up so we can get out of here."

Ryder was right

Scott glances down at Jess, searching her face with his good eye. "I don't know what you're thanking me for, but..."

A quiet laugh surfaces. "I'm getting a crick in my neck."

Situating his weight, he slides down to use his pillow again, but makes sure Jess knows she doesn't have to move. Twisting the blanket around, he shares it with her, letting her head wind up on his chest.

"I guess... if you're thanking me for company... then I should thank you too."


Jason moves to the back where he finds the cabinet. Inside were syringes and vials, all marked clearly. Everything was sanitary. Everything was in order. One would think they were at some real medical or science facility.
I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying. I have no idea what I'm looking for... But I don't trust Ross to give us the right information. He could give us another poison and we wouldn't even know it.

Then Jason spots a vile near the back. The label read "267."
I found it... the poison, that is... if Carson really was right.
Fishing a small pack out of his pocket, Jason opens the cupboard and takes one of the vials. While he didn't ever want this poison exposed, having it could help produce an antidote if they couldn't find one... and it would help TJY know what the Agency was working with.

Ross squirms in his seat, nervously looking between Jason and Katie. "You won't get away with this. I don't know how you got in here, but you'll never get back out again."

"You leave that to us," Jason retorts, still searching. His eyes glance past several more things, unable to recognize them or know what they might be. Instead of risking taking the wrong thing back home, he takes several different samples of individual vials, carefully placing them in the insulated pack. Taking from all the rows, one of them had to be what they were looking for. Once back home, Rick and Misty would be able to dissect and figure out which they needed, especially having a sample of the poison itself. Knowing them, it wouldn't take long.

Ross persists. "There are cameras. And guards. You'll be gunned down if you try to run now."

Jason spins around, his annoyance getting the best of him, and he glares at Ross. "And how do you think we got in here?"

The phone on Ross' desk suddenly snaps and sparks until a small stream of smoke appears. Ross' eyes widen. "Did you..." His question trails off as Jason turns his back again. He looks to Katie, then back to Jason, then back to Katie again. "He did... are you..." His mouth falls open. "The offspring."

Jason looks over his shoulder, suddenly paying attention. "What?"

Ross puts a hand to his mouth, a slight smile emerging. "The offspring. You're one of them, aren't you?"

"One of who? What are you talking about?"

"The odds that it would happen at all... then that you would actually come here... to this specific lab..." Ross laughs, the fascination flashing in his eyes. "Unbelievable. Marvelous." He claps his hands together. "What else can you do?"

Jason frowns, and glances to Katie.
Has he gone mad? Is he talking about what I just did or what?

"Who is your partner?" Ross questions. "Is it her?" He points to Katie. "When did you figure it out?"

Our abilities.
A tingle runs down Jason's spine.
He knows about it.
Distracted from what he was doing, Jason comes back to Ross. "What do you know?"

"Oh, everything." Ross' excitement was still evident, despite him being held at gunpoint. "How did yours come out? Was it your emotions too?"

"What do you mean 'too?' There are others? And how do you know?"

"There were. Two that we knew of, but they're dead now." Ross shakes his head. "They wouldn't give in and the Agency would have none of that."

Jason leans down so he's at eye level with Ross. The desire to know more overtook the real purpose of being here. "How did it happen?"

"It was a drug. Experimentally distributed in the United States, but only for a short while. Those that took it experienced no ill side affects. But..."

Jason's eyes widen. "Their offspring."

"Precisely." Ross nods, looking to Katie. "My guess would be it was your father." He looks back to Jason. "And yours too. That's the way it was with the others."

"So it was all just... and accident."

"Kind of. No one was expecting those kinds of results. But Medridge never admitted whether or not he was waiting to see results years down the road."

Only one thing pops into Jason's mind. "If it was made from drugs, then there's an antidote for it too."

Ross purses his lips and stares over the top of his glasses. "We never got that far with the other two. But..." He gestures to his filing drawer. "I do have a formula."

Jason pulls out his gun again, pointing it at Ross' head. "Get it."

Ross hesitates, then moves, knowing he didn't have much of a choice.

Out in the hall, Carson can see the mirror at the other end, and sees that more movement is coming in their direction. "Jason, Kat," he hisses loudly. "Get out of there. We have to move!"

Jason hears Carson, but isn't willing to leave without the formula Ross was talking about. "Get it out now," he orders Ross.

The older man opens the drawer, flipping through bulging folders. "Here." He pulls out several computer printouts with information that Jason didn't understand. But he knew Rick would. Taking it from Ross, he folds it up and slips it into his back pocket. "For that, we won't kill you."

Ross leans back in his chair, squinting a little. "I don't think you would have anyway."

"Jase, come on!"

Jason hesitates, but moves back towards the door.
I got all I could from the vials over there. The antidote we need has to be one of them. We can get out of here now.


Out in the hall, Ryder paces. Carson was getting nervous, and for good reason. They'd been there too long already. It was a miracle no one had spotted them yet.

Suddenly though, movement appears at the end of the hall. Ryder looks quickly, aiming his gun, but just as quickly, he lowers it. His eyes widen. "Brian!"

Brian stops in his tracks, turning and seeing his brother. For an instant, the hall is silent.

Ryder makes a step forward, his pulse racing. "Brian, we're getting out of here right now. You can come with us. We can get you out of here."

"Stop." Brian holds up his hand, stopping Ryder. "You shouldn't be here."

"We needed an antidote."

Carson looks to Ryder with frustration, not knowing whether to aim his gun or not. "Zip it," he orders. "Let him go."

"No!" Ryder glares at Carson, then looks back to Brian. "Come on. This is your chance!"

But a gun is drawn in response.

Ryder's face pales and he backs up a step. "Brian, no... just let us go. We're here to help someone else, and we can help you too if you let us."

Letting Ryder handle himself, Carson has his head turned, looking into the door of the lab, waiting for Jason and Katie.

Brian points his handgun at Ryder. "You shouldn't have come. No one gets out of here."

"But we can - you can. Please." Ryder's eyes beg his brother, knowing that Brian wouldn't be capable of pulling the trigger. He knew he could convince him to leave. He knew he had a good heart. "Just leave this place behind. We can make it safe for you and you can finally fight back. You can get your life back."

"This is my life."

"But it doesn't have to be!" Ryder starts walking towards him. "Just let us..."

His words are cut off as a shot echoes through the hall.

Everything seems to go in slow motion.

Ryder blinks and stares down at his shoulder that was instantly soaked with blood. Shock invades his eyes, but not from the pain - it was from realizing that his own brother had just shot him.

Carson whirls around and his instincts kick in. Seeing Brian's outstretched gun, he's left with no choice. A second shot rings out. But this time, the target goes down, never having felt the bullet to his head.

Ryder's legs suddenly buckle and he collapses onto the floor, his eyes rolling back into his head.

"Jason! Kat! NOW!" Carson shouts. He runs down to the end of the hall where Brian's body was, pulling two double-doors closed and jamming the lock into place.

Inside

Feeling Scott's hand run through her head it was soothing to Jess. It was almost a familure feeling that creep up in her memorie for a reason why she found so much comfort in this but like a curten draw Jess couldnt see past this point and for now she let it go just enjoying Scott.

Absintmindedly she brings her hand up and gives Domino's head a pat brushing Scott's hand for a moment before bringing it back down and holding the small dog's paw softly. Rolling over on her back Jess looking up at the cealing. She was comfortable but far from tired. She only hoped sleep would come soon. Glancing at Scott Jess trys to smille just a tiny bit.

"Thank you."

Looking around the courner with Jason Katie gives a nod. She new what to do and how to do it. Nice and eary just like before.

Got it. NOW!

As Jason causes the incodent Katie has no problem striking the fear into the two guards. Taken down in no time Katie is following Jason inside turning to make sure the other two were following throwing them both smiles.

Following close behind Jason the move along the hall. Katie has her own gun drawn for protection.

Camra righthand side.

Being able to talk with Jason and not use words really helped keeping them undeticted. Finally making there way up the steps and hearing people at the other end of the hall Katie's heart beat so loud she thought someone might hear it.

Finally as the cost is clear they continue down to the hall and enter the room. Giving a nod to Carson followed by a smile of reasurance to Ryder.

Standing next to Jason as he questions the man in the lab coat Katie's eyes peace his as she keep her shair ferm using only a bit of his own fear aganst him.

"If I were you, I'd just answer the question."

Good work J.

Once Jason start to walk away Katie stands with her gun pointed at Ross making sure he dosnt move a muscle as her eyes dont leave him eather. They didnt need to, Katie new what was going in with Jason just the same.

Just hurry J. Being here gives me the creeps enough.

Seeing Ross move just a little Katie sets a few steps closer.

"Dont, think about moving another muscle."

Moving in

Luke cringes at the memories that Angel's ranting brought to mind. She was thinking back so far... to a time so painful. Rubbing his tired face, he just waits, still praying... hoping that his wife would calm down to sleep restfully again. It was their only chance of keeping her alive right now.


Scott's eyes open back up again and he moves his hand down through Jess' hair one more time. He'd started to doze off several times, but found it less fearsome to stay awake, at least for now. Stifling a yawn, he shifts his weight a little, sinking further down, but letting Jess keep her head in his lap.

Domino looks up, almost annoyed at being woken up by his movements. She stands to yawn and stretch, looking around for a moment. She sniffs close to Jess' head, then settles back down again, nuzzling into Scott's side.

Scott lets his free hand fall to his little dog, giving her a loving scratch behind the ears.


The team moves in. They head down the trail that was a gradual incline that curved around until reaching the bottom at the edge of the parking lot. Glancing around, they revert to silence. Blowing their cover too soon could be fatal.

Moving closer and closer, they creep up to the building, right around the corner from the guards. Carson draws his gun but doesn't advance. He nods to Jason and Katie. It was up to them to get them inside. They'd have to stick close once they were in, take out any cameras and silence anyone who saw them. Then they'd have to get back out again.

Jason moves to the corner and looks around to see the guards.
Alright, there they are. Let's have a repeat of how it was when we went after Scott.

It ran like clockwork. A flickering light caused enough fear for Katie to work with, and before anyone knew it, both guards had been knocked unconscious. While Carson knew how they worked, he was still impressed, and as they slip inside, he gives Katie a crooked grin. Ryder follows them inside, a bit stunned by what had happened, but without time to process it.

The inside was quiet. They were in a hallway. It was uncanny how the layout appeared to be so similar to the building where Scott had been held. In a totally different country, the Agency still operated in the same way.

The four slipped down the hall, Jason in the lead, with Carson in the rear, walking backward to keep an eye out. Guns were drawn. Eyes were open, ears were listening intently. Voices could be heard nearby, but this corridor was clear. They hit the stairway they were looking for, and quickly ascended three floors. Meeting no one was a welcomed surprise. As they pass cameras, Jason takes them out with just enough energy to make them malfunction but not set off any alarms. So far they were going undetected.

Reaching the third floor, they stare down another long hall. Shadows pass by on the other end, but were quickly gone. The coast was clear.

"Last room on the right," Ryder hisses.

Jason moves forward, stopping a the closed door. A small window showed there was one person inside the lab. "One," he informs with a whisper.

Carson gives him a nod. They were ready. He eyes Katie, giving her a wink - a contrast to the tension they were under.

Jason grips the door handle.
Okay, Hero, let's do this. I need you right behind me for this one.

Ryder steps to the side, keeping his back on the opposite wall. He nods. He and Carson would stay in the hall while Jason and Katie went in.

Jason keeps his gun up and ready.
We gotta move fast so he can't call anybody.
Turning the door handle, he opens the door swiftly, letting Katie slip in with him before the door goes shut again. He aims his handgun at the middle-aged, heavyset man in the white lab coat and glasses, whose nametag read Ross.

"Whoa!" he stands from his desks, arms going in the air. "Who are you? What are you doing? How did you get in there?"

"Hold the questions," Jason growls. "And sit back down. Now."

Ross' eyes are wide behind his glasses and he sits back down. One hand starts to lower towards an intercom button.

Jason cocks his gun. "Just try."

Ross immediately backs off again, wildly searching Jason and Katie's faces. "What do you want?"

"We need an antidote and we need it now."

"Antidote?" Ross laughs. "For what? And why would it be here?"

"Don't give me that." Jason steps forward, pressing the barrel of his gun against Ross' head.

Ross sucks in his breath, starting to tremble. He looks to Katie for help, but sees immediately that she is just as determined as the young man. He swallows hard, then licks his lips. "Um... uh... well... um..."

Jason leans down to stare into Ross' eyes. "Did I mention we were in a hurry?"

Ross gulps. A bead of sweat runs down the side of his face. "Which antidote are you looking for?"

Now that's more like it.
"For a poison. It's new to us, but probably not new to you."

Ross again stumbles over words, but his eyes drift to the far end of the room. Jason follows his gaze.
Keep him here, Katie. There's a case down there with some items of interest.

He moves from the desk, uncocking his gun and heading to a glass cabinet. The room was long, full of computer equipment and paperwork. While everything was stark and clean, a line of cages was set up in the middle of the room, housing rats. Jason cringes.
This was the sort of thing Carson had talked about. Gives me the creeps.

Ready

The look in Angel's eyes was enough to tell she was there but her mind was far off.

"You cant keep us here, its night right. What did we ever do to you?"

One that new Angel might know she was talking about the past and maybe even reliving it in her mind. Memories mixed with reality, the poison the corsed through Angel's vains prevented her from even relizing it was nothing more than a nightmare.

"Luke is hurt bad please, cant you help him. Cant anyone? Your treating us like animles. Trent how could you after everything."

Moving quickly to the cabnit Misty grabs a saringe and some sedative filling the needle and testing it. Moving quickly to Rick Misty preps Angel's arm while Rick holds her. Injecting her Misty couldnt help but feel back for Angel and Luke as well.

Looking over the moutainside down below Katie studys the plant for a moment before sliding back down again.

Ready as I ever will be, just need to be carfel...and get in and out so we can get back to Angel.

"I'm ready. It should be no probley getting in. The guards are usaly more weak than anyone inside so I dont see a problem with that part at all."

Giving a nod to Carson Katie signles she is ready as she checks her own gun one last time and than looks over to Ryder giving the best reasuring smile she could.

This wasnt going to be easy, and there was a good chanse it would get messy but Katie was as ready as she ever was going to be. With any luck things would go smoothly. Slidng up again she look over the moutainside. This was for Angel it had to work.

Different feeling

As Jess comes and sits down next to him, Scott is a little surprised. When she scoots further down and rests her head in his lap, he's even more surprised.

Unsure what she wants exactly, he just sits, a bit confused, and wishing he knew how to help. Apparently she really did feel lost... and he knew that feeling all too well.

Her whispered words make him think twice. Yeah... he was like her. That she found that a comfort felt strange... He'd been the needy one since he'd returned. He'd been the one always needing help. He'd been the one scared and helpless, looking for help. But right now... it was the first time someone had come to him looking for help, let alone had decided they'd found a safe haven. It was a different kind of sensation. One that was kind of warm.

Scott slowly moves his thin hand to rest on Jess' head. Gradually, he's brave enough to run his fingers through her hair in an effort to let her know it was okay. His warm palm rests on her forehead before moving back down her soft hair.


Luke gives a start as Angel's voice hits his ears. But it wasn't lucid words. It was words from a dream, words from a world away from reality. He moves to get close to her, but backs up as Misty comes, then Rick comes as well. Jeff's hand to his arm warns him to stay out of the way and let them try to help.

Utterly helpless, Luke sinks back down into his chair, burying his face in his hands. Praying was the only thing he could do. God please don't take her... not yet... I don't want to live without her.

Rick moves quickly. "Go get a sedative, Misty. We need to keep her calm - it's the only way to keep the poison slowed down."


"Well... it's a quiet day." Carson stares through his binoculars at the Agency base. Only two guards were at the door today. He glances at Ryder. It looked like the best day yet, not the worst. But he didn't rub it in.

"Alright, we need to get inside, then get down to the lab. Ryder?"

"Yeah." Ryder crawls up to lie on his belly at the top of the ridge on the lookout point. "Once we're in, it should be three floors up, a right turn, then down to the end of the hall. At least that's what my contact has told me. All we can do is trust them on this one."

Carson nods his agreement. "Katie? Jason? You two ready? We gotta make this smooth. We're going to get as close as possible. Jason, get a little fear into them so Katie can make 'em nervous. They'll either come close enough we can easily take them down or they'll go inside. Either way, they're our ticket in."

Ryder quirks an eyebrow. He was interested to see how Katie and Jason worked. It seemed unbelievable, but apparently Carson knew what he was telling them to do.

Jason nods. "Yeah, we should be able to do that. What if we meet people on the inside?"

"Improvise." Carson sits up and takes his handgun to check the ammunition. "Let's hope it's as quiet on the inside as the outside." The parking lost only had a few cars in it. It seemed like a lucky break.

Jason takes a deep breath. "I'm ready when you are.
How about you? Ready, Hero?

Delutions

Hesitating for a moment Jess just stands in the doorway, but finally she moves inside a little more. Slowly going over to Scott Jess eases down next to him.

She could tell from looking at him he himself had been through alot the look in his eyes told there own story. Quietly Jess eases down a little more and lays her head in Scott's lap. She felt so childish but she couldnt help it. She needed to feel comfort because she was still shaken up and this was the only way she new how at the moment.

Far from sleeping Jess just stairs at the wall till finally softly she whispers.

"I turst you, because your just like me."

Giving a moan Angel gives a toss in the bed. Almost as if she felt stuck in a dream world her eyes fly open as she sits up on the bed almost as if a panic rushes over her.

Seeing Angel Misty drops everything and rushes over to her trying to calm her down.

"Angel its ok. Its Misty your at the infermary at TJY. Are you ok?"

Deleraous and out of it Angel fights against Misty's prompting.

"No..No...You cant keep us here...my baby...no...she needs me...please."

Confused Misty looks to Luke and than turns slightly calling over her shoulder to Rick.

"Rick I need help here I think deleariea has set in."

Trying to hold Angel the best she can so she dosnt her herself Misty feels so bad. This could not be good.

Welcome

Ryder shakes his head and gives a defeated laugh. "Yeah... I wish you could convince Carson too." He sighs deeply. "If I'm wrong, it'll be the first."

He turns to face Katie, knowing that she was trying to make him feel better, but mustering up a genuine smile took too much effort.

After a moment of just studying her eyes, he finally gets up, letting her hand drop from his shoulders. "Guess I better get ready. We should have left ten minutes ago."


Hearing the knock on the door makes Scott jump. He'd been far from asleep, but was in a slight daze for just a moment. Sitting up, he leans against the wall, not sure if he really wanted to answer or not. Who was it?

Giving in, he calls to whoever it was, then squints up in the dim light. Jess? Why was she... Her explanation makes him realize her intentions, and suddenly, his own fears didn't seem so great.

"Um..." He looks down and around, and finally lifts up half the blanket. He wasn't sure what had happened to her, but he had an imagination, and it told him plenty. Maybe inviting her that close wasn't such a good idea, but it's all he had to offer. "I... don't much like being by myself either," he admits. "Kinda hard on the floor, but..." He shrugs and rubs his sore eye. "You're welcome to stay."

Domino moves off his lap to go and curl up on the other side of him, not really bothered by Jess' presence.

Can I?

Looking back into Rocky's eyes Jess gives a small nod. She didnt want him to leave but she new he had to.

"oh..ok. If I need anything I'll call you."

Turning Jess las down and faces the wall. She just wanted this to be over. Jess had though once before it was and for the time being it had been but than it came crashing down again. Would it always be like that? Would things ever change?

Katie goes and sits down next to Ryder listing to him talk. She new how he felt, sometimes she had feels some times and she new they were never good feeling.

"Hey, maybe your feeling is wrong huh? I wish there was a way to convinse Carson not to go but I know I wont be able too."

Katie shakes her head. Once Carson made up his mind there was no turnin back for him.

"It will be ok eh? I'll keep ya safe if I have ta."

Katie throws a wink at Ryder as she puts her arm over his shoulder trying to lighten his mood alittle and make him smile.

Laying in the spair room Jess hears a noise that makes her jump. Sitting up straght Jess looks around the room as the sweat rolls down her face. She didnt want to be alone, she hurt things she hadnt before and she hated it.

Standing Jess slow walks out of the spair room as her bear feet softly pad on the cold floor. Seeing the light on in the infermary Jess goes over to the door but peeking in and seeing everyone and how busy they were she didnt want to bother them or the lady that was laying in the bed that looked worse than her.

Looking down the hall Jess sees the soft glow of a nother dim light from under one of the doors. Wandering down the hall Jess goes and reads the sigh on the door hopping it might be someone she could stay with so she wasnt alone.

Giving a knock on the door Jess waits till she hears someone say it was ok. Opening the door she stand sin the dim lit room. Her eyes searching the room they sadness, pain and fear where still written in them. Seeing Scott and Domino on the floor Jess looks down not making eye contact. Talking low she askes.

"I'm...I'm sorry to bother you. I was scaired being alone and I didnt want to bother the others. I saw the light...."

Jess points behind her under the door.

"..and I though maybe...maybe I could stay here with you if thats ok."

Smelling rain

"Reese didn't get him...yet," Rocky response quietly. "But he doesn't know you're here. You're safe." He never tired of repeating that fact.

As Jess jumps and moves closer, Rocky puts an arm around her shoulders, giving them a gentle rub. "He's alright," he assures. "It's just Scott." He didn't know Scott personally, but had seen him a time or two, and knew about him through some of the others.

Once Scott is gone, Rick tells Rocky where the spare room is. Leading Jess gently, Rocky takes her next door and sits her down on the bed. Squatting in front of her, he holds her hands, looking up into her eyes. "I'm gonna go home now, okay? But only because I know you're safe here. I'm only a phone call away, alright?" He gives her hands a squeeze. "Try to get some rest."


Scott spreads one blanket on the floor in front of the desk, lies down, then pulls the other blanket up over him. He moves his pillow around, using the wall to help prop it up a little.

Domino waits until she thinks he's settled before crawling up to sprawl over his chest and stomach. Though kind of heavy to be comfortable, Scott let her stay. He wouldn't be going to sleep all that quickly anyway. Not with having been woke up, and still hearing voices next door.

Though the door to the office was closed, he was glad for the nightlight he'd plugged in on the other wall. He could see what was around him, and that was enough for him not to feel fear.


Ryder lets out a long sigh and finally turns to look at Katie. "I don't have anything to tell Carson. That's the problem." He shakes his head and moves to sit down in the swing, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "I... had a nightmare last night."

Glancing up at Katie, he shakes his head. He never told anyone about them. But for some reason he felt safe telling her. "I've never been wrong yet. It's like... I don't know... a sixth sense or something. I just... know when something is going to happen. I don't know what, and I don't know with whom... but it's like being able to smell rain before the storm. I can feel it... I can taste it."

Ryder purses his lips, knowing he must sound crazy. "We shouldn't be going in today. If we do, something bad is going to happen. But I can't prove it." He shrugs lamely. "All I can do is hope that for once, I'm wrong. I have to follow Carson - he's the captain."

Trust

Giving a nod to Carson Katie dosnt say anything more. He was the boss in the mission and she couldnt go aganst what he had to say. But some thing didnt seem right.

Yeah I think he it, but there is just something more I think than "Hey I dont wanna do it today." I am gonna check it out.

Standing from the table Katie goes to the sink and puts her cup in it rinsing it out firs, than making her way outside to the back pourch Katie just stands there for a moment. Than moving closer to Ryder she looks in the same direction as he was as if trying to see somethingKeep her voice soft Katie proves what she was to say next was true.

"I do trust you Ryder. An I trust that you say today is not a good day than its not for one reason or the other, but if your gonna have Carson believe you your gonna have to give him a reason. In a way I do understand why. Time is not our friend in this mission. We have a person's life in our hands. Cant you tell us why we cant go in? Cant you tell me?"

Katie turns her head and looks at Ryder. She did trust him but she also did want to know why Ryder didnt think today was a good day.

Jess looks to Rocky with tired eyes and than looks to Rick and gives a small nod. She new she would be ok here, she was before but till, how new everything was and the face this happend again didnt ease Jess at all.

"Is he still out there? Or did Reese get him? He dosnt know I am here right?"

Jess couldnt help her fear or her questions even though she new the answers. They where just there anyways.

Hearing Scott's voice startles Jess as she jumps a little closer to Rocky. She hadnt hurd anyone come in and she wasnt exspecting anyone alse to be here let along a strange voice she didnt know. Looking to Rocky again Jess hated him seeing her this way. She didnt feel strong, and she felt so small she hated the feeling.

Cold feet

Scott's eyes fly open as he hears the voices in the infirmary. There were new people... people whose voices he didn't recognize. He tenses until he hears Rick. Everything must be okay.

Domino's head perks up as her master moves around and she crawls up next to him to lick his face. He responds by petting her head. He really wanted to know what was going on, on the other side of the wall, but getting up meant risking getting in the way or what if someone like Austin was there too?


Rocky follows Misty's direction and takes Jess to the table, helping her sit, and staying right close.

Rick comes in after, relieving Reese to go talk with Angelica. Rick moves to clean up and help Misty, while checking on Angel again too. She had been asleep for a long time now, her body finally starting to shut down as the poison continued to affect her. Rick didn't like it... they just kept waiting... but there had been no word from Australia.

He nods to Jeff and Luke to let them know they could stay right where they were. He wished he had something to offer them other than the same chairs, but they'd always insisted on staying.

Rocky remains next to Jess, assisting in telling Misty what had happened. He helps by cleaning some of the cuts on Jess' face, gently tucking her hair behind her ear. Once he lifts her chin with a soft finger, forcing her to look him in the eye so he could reassure her with his glance that it was okay. He offers a small smile and a wink. He hated seeing her like this, but he wouldn't let the worry and anger show.

Rick keeps an eye on how Jess is doing, trying to make up his mind about what should happen next. He pulls Misty aside. "We should probably keep her here for at least tonight," he advises. "If for nothing else, because her place isn't safe. But I don't know where to put her, unless it's on a cot in here, but that's not all that great. What if..."

"She can have the spare room."

Rick whirls around, surprised to see Scott in the doorway with Domino at his feet. "Oh, but..."

"No, it's okay... really." Scott nods. He didn't know Jess. But it was obvious that she needed help, and he didn't want his presence to hinder that help. "I can..." He thinks for a moment. What could he do? "Um... I can bed down in Dalton's and my office."

Jeff looks over to him, again wishing that the young man were well. Rick had told him that Scott had been improving, and even in the last few days he'd gained some color in his face. But there was still so much life missing.

Rick didn't want to displace Scott again, but he could tell that it might be worse to turn down the offer. "Okay, Scott. Go get your blanket and pillow and anything else you need. If there's more you need though, tell me, alright?"

Scott gives a little nod before turning back into the hall. There weren't that many people there, but there were just enough to make him just a little nervous.

Rick goes over to Jess, giving her a gentle smile. "You can stay here tonight where you're safe, okay?"


Carson looks at Katie and shakes his head slowly. "I know you wanna trust him, Kat, but we can sit around here and wait for the perfect day for a year. Or we can go in and accomplish our mission." He purses his lips, not upset, but determined with gentleness. "Angel is counting on us. We can't keep waiting."

"Why would we wait?" Jason comes in, his hair still wet from his shower.

Carson thumbs to the back porch. "Ryder's got cold feet."

Jason quirks ab eyebrow. "Well we gotta go in. We don't have a choice. It's now or never in by book. But you're the boss."

"We're going in."

"Good." Jason moves to get a cup of coffee. His nerves were high and he tried to keep them at a minimum for Katie's sake. They needed to at their best today. Getting into the Agency plant wouldn't be easy.
You still think Ryder's on the up-and-up?

Ryder remains on the porch, waiting until the last minute to get ready. His body language told of his strange hesitance. His quietness proved something wasn't right.

Same Page

As Rocky lifts Jess up she leans her head against him just letting herself be washed with the comfort her so longed to feel. Rocky had promised she would be ok and Jess believed him, he said he would protect her and she new he ment it.

Feeling Rick get into bed and his arms around Her Janet gives a smile bringing her own hands to Rick's arms. She hadnt seem him much lately due to the busyness of TJY and she understood but now it was nice to have him home and feel him next to her.

Hearing the phone give Janet a groan of her own as she rolls onto her back. But knowing it couldnt be helped Janet wouldnt complain. Receving Rick's kiss Janet just stairs up at him for a moment give a smile.

"Dont worry, I'll be here when you return."

And she would be always. She loved Rick to much not to be.

Looking up from the micrascope with tired eyes Misty looks at the door where Reese had come in with Jess and Rocky. Consern flashs on her face placing her pen down and walking over slowly.

"What happend?"

Not sure she remembered who Jess was but didnt understand what could of happend now knowing Peter had been put behind bars. Slowly she points Rocky to the exta table where he could put Jess so she could look over her bumps, and bruses.

Kaite looks between Ryder and than Carson still a bit confused. She didnt know what was said but it was obves that Ryde felt strong about what he said and if Katie had learned anything it was that he did know what he was talking about.

"Maybe we should just trust him and wait another day? We dont always need a reason right? Better to be safe than sorry."

Looking up at Carson Katie just waits. Whatever the desition was she would go with it but she did think it was better to have everyone on the same page than to just have someone at odds.

Suffer the consequences

"I promise he's not there," Rocky comforts. He holds Jess close, rocking her just a little. "Come on... I'll be with you the whole way."

Turning to kneel, he lifts Jess gently into his arms, letting her head rest on his shoulder. "It's going to be just fine," he continues to assure.

Looking to Reese, he gives a little nod. "I'm with you."

"Good. Come on." Reese heads for the door, holding it open for Rocky, then making sure it goes shut again. Leading the way, he lets Rocky and Jess in the backseat, then gets in the front to drive. On the way, he makes a call.


Rick eases into bed and pulls the blanket up, rolling over to put his arm around Janet. He was exhausted. He hadn't been home in twenty-four hours, and bed felt more comfortable than ever. He gives his wife's neck a gentle kiss to tell her he loved her. He hadn't been home much lately, and when he had, he'd been so tired that he hadn't been very good company. He'd try to make up for it as soon as things at TJY settled down.

His eyes just start to drift shut, when the bedside phone rings. He buries his face in Janet's hair. He didn't want to answer it. He didn't want it to be someone from TJY. He didn't want to have to go back in. But the phone kept ringing.

Giving a groan, Rick rolls back over to answer it. "Yeah?"

"Sorry, Rick. It's Reese. I'm on my way back to the office. We got Jess Fisher coming along."

Rick frowns. He knew that name. "What? Why? What happened?"

"That old boyfriend of hers came back."

"Oh, no." Rick props himself up on his elbow, slowly waking back up. "Is she hurt?"

"Not too badly, but I thought it best you at least come in to help out. I know Misty's there with Angel, but with that and Scott, and now Jess, I didn't want to overwhelm her."

"Yeah..." It sounded as though Rick wasn't needed too direly, but he'd go. "Okay. I'm on my way." Hanging up the phone, he sighs. Flopping back down, he rolls closer to Janet. "If I have anything to do with it," he mumbles, "I'll be back before sunup." Giving her a last kiss, he pries himself from bed to get dressed again.


Getting to TJY, Rocky helps Jess walk into the building, though letting her lean on him. Another car pulls up and a strange man comes. It must be Rick, who Reese had called.

Rick sees Jess and his heart melts. "Come on inside," he offers, holding the door. "Take her to the infirmary," he directs. "We'll be waking up a couple people, but Misty is there."

Arriving at the infirmary, Reese opens the door. "Misty?"

Luke and Jeff both jump, startled from their light sleep in the chairs.


Carson shakes his head at Katie. "Yeah, everything is fine." He goes for the coffee. "Ryder just said he didn't think we should go in today. Personally I think he's got a hidden agenda still, but he won't admit it. We can't wait another day. If he wants to put a monkey wrench into things on purpose, I'm not going to let him. But I'm not going to waste my time trying to get him to admit what he's really trying to pull."

Ryder had come in after Carson, and stops at the kitchen, hearing the end of Carson's statement. He grits his teeth. Looking to Katie, he catches her eye for several seconds before letting his shoulders drop and wandering to the sink where he pours out his leftover coffee. "Maybe you shouldn't think so highly of yourself," he counters Carson. "Maybe others sometimes know better than you do."

Carson turns quickly, lifting his eyebrows. "You won't even tell me why we shouldn't go in today."

Ryder shrugs. "If my word isn't good enough, then you can suffer the consequences." Turning around, he heads back out of the kitchen, going back out onto the porch again.

Carson sighs. "Great. Maybe we should leave him here today."

Sent

Jess trys to make her ears focus on the sounds around her and Rocky but it was hard. It was so hard...she hurt and her mind was fuzzy and confused.

"Carson..."

Her voice quivers as she says the one person's name she new she could trust with her life, but knowing he was gone Jess new he would not come.

Feeling Rocky's jacket around her Jess gets a whif of a soft sweet sent, like a blanket it washes over she offering her a protective feeling the only one she had right now and she new Rocky wouldnt hurt her.

"Rocky....Hold me please. Dont let him come back."

Though her eyes where closed trying it hurt to much to open them Jess could feel Rocky's face close to hers. The sweet sent she had smelled before becoming stronger. Leaning up just a little Jess softly leans her face aganst Rocky's though it hurt to do so his skin was cool and on her hot swallen face it felt good. In a soft horse whisper Jess replys to Rocky.

"I'll go with you, if you make sure he is not out there again."

Sitting at the table taking a sip of her coffee Katie looks up at Carson comes back inside. She'd been up early today as planed her tryed her best to wake herself up. Today she had to be with it.

"Is everything ok Carson?"

Katie had only over hurd a tiny bit of what was said so she wasnt completely sure but she could tell by the look on Carson's face some thing was up.