Stop!

Yeah... we can grab a late lunch too.

Jason sits up and slowly stands, stretching. He was worn out. Keep moving... keep moving.

Be ready for me to pick you up and...

Thunder rumbles again.

Wear something you don't mind getting wet.


Carson shakes his head wearily at Misty. "No... but thanks. I'll just keep working."

Pulling her down, he finds her lips with his own to give her a kiss. "I'll see you in a little bit, okay?"

Waiting until Misty is gone, he looks at the clock. Scott's hearing was starting. Was he too late? He looks again the the computer and once again, his fingers press the keys automatically, his eyes not moving from the screen. He blinks. His eyes start to droop and he shakes his head to keep himself awake, taking another sip of coffee. Focusing on the screen again he sighs and tries one more time. He wasn't the computer expert, but he knew where the files was. If he could just get to it.

Suddenly a new file comes open. He straightens in his seat. Had he made it? He had. New energy surges through him as he clicks through the information as quickly as possible. He knew this was a risk, and if Reese knew, he'd have his hide. But it was for Scott... he'd promised.

Johnson30A_Results > Assimilation > Failure

Carson's eyes widen. Failure? But... He doesn't bother figure it out now. Moving quickly, he copies over the whole file and disconnects. Most likely someone from the Agency would realize someone had hacked them, but hopefully they wouldn't know who and wouldn't know what was taken. He'd performed the task as securely as possible.

Once settled with the new information, Carson begins to read. There was a log for each day of Scott's assimilation. At last. They would know what happened.
Week 1 - 30A tested for assimilation intelligence. Results = positive. 30A refuses to talk. Pressure techniques applied. 30A becomes agreeable.

So that was the torture he endured to start with. Apparently Scott had caved within the week.

Week 2 - Questioning continues. 30A provides information.

Carson quirks an eyebrow. Scott had given information? About TJY? He'd said he'd resisted, so... what had been leaked? He keeps reading.

Week 3 - Questioning ceased. Assimilation begins.

And there was when they started the brainwashing. At that point, they probably kept Scott in a cell but weren't abusive.

Week 4 - Testing continues. Data transfers nearing completion. 30A compliant and responding to techniques.

Carson nods as he reads. That would be when Scott received all of his information... all of the data that he now carried. Throughout the program, brainwashing would have continued.

Week 5 - Assimilation terminated. Results: failure.

There... now what happened that had terminated Scott's advancement?

Assimilation failure report: 30A unresponsive, following assimilation program. Reasoning: Unknown. Data could not be retrieved. Force applied.
30A violent. Mental state: unstable. Further testing results: multiple failures.
Final Assimilation Result: 30A retains no data. Reasoning: Unknown. Medical examination results: Pressure of assimilation too much to handle. 30A too weak for the program.
Program terminated. 30A held prisoner.

Carson sits back in his seat, still confused, and trying to live out the scene. Scott had caved. They had put him in the program. All had gone well until the end. They couldn't retrieve the information and concluded that he had not retained any of it, being too weak to handle it. Carson knew of past cases where victims had died from the strain. But Scott had survived... yet had retained nothing - according to the Agency.

Carson could then imagine what had happened next... after being a complete waste of time, no wonder Scott was beaten and tortured. They probably then continued to try and squeeze even more information about the Elite out of him, which would include all of the physical brutality and then ending with simply leaving him for dead after they concluded he was of no more use to them.

But... Scott insisted that he didn't give the Agency any information. And on top of that, he had retained the assimilation data. He had proven it himself, here. So what had happened? He went through the entire program without a hitch, but in the end, they couldn't get any information from him... it just didn't seem right...

Then it hits him. Carson's eyes widen. "No way."


“We’re here to decide the fate of Mr. Scott Johnson.” Judge Barkley leans forward, resting his elbows on the long, shiny table. “Mr. Johnson? Do you have anything to say before we proceed?”

Scott looks up, and shakes his head slowly. He catches Hope’s eye, the looks back to the judge. “No. I myself don’t know if I’m a threat or not so… if it’s decided that I am, then… then I guess I need to be placed somewhere that I can't jeopardize the Elite or anybody else by informing the Agency.”

Barkley purses his lips in thought. “You’re a strong man, Johnson.”

“No.” Scott shakes his head again, his voice quiet. “If I was… I don’t think I’d be here.”

There is quiet for a moment before Barkley gestures to Reese and Brown. “You may state your case.”

Brown takes the lead, having already discussed it with Reese in private. “Your honor, we believe that Scott is innocent of any intentional sabotage. We believe his motives coincide with the law enforcement of the Elite, not against it. Therefore, we do not wish that he be placed in forced confinement. If it is true that he was indeed involved with the assimilation program at the Agency, then any activity would not necessarily be of his will, and therefore, it is our opinion that he remains innocent, as such. We do not believe that the state of Nevada would want to convict an innocent man.”

Barkley nods. “Go on.”

“After careful consideration, the board to oversee the Elite, which includes myself, has decided that it would be best to remove Scott from the Elite.”

“You mean terminate his job.”

“Yes, your honor.”

Scott’s shoulders drop. He can’t look up at Hope. His hands in his lap, he swallows hard, fighting his emotions. TJY had been his life… and now… it was gone and he didn’t even really understand why.

Brown continues. “It is the board’s opinion that having Scott distanced from the Elite will save the department from any unintentional sabotage, also relieving Scott from that concern.”

“Do you have an argument?” Barkley asks Scott.

Scott simply shakes his head. No. If it was best for the Elite, then it had to be done. Gunner lays a hand on his shoulder.

“Then…” Barkley sighs deeply. “I hereby terminate Mr. Johnson’s rank and position in the Elite and-”

“Stop!” The door bursts open, startling everyone present. Carson is breathing heavily after battling past two police officers to get in and his clothes and hair are a bit messy. He glances to Hope, then to the judge. Several papers were clutched tightly in his hand. “Scott’s innocent.”


A call to Angel... the gathering of a few... someone takes Chase for a while... circumstances are a blur. Jim finds Clint... hearts break as rain pours down over the ranch. Nothing seems right. Nothing seems good. And by noon, Beck and Jim are looking over Chase for a while, leaving Clint and Wendy alone together to make it through the day.

Clint sits quietly in a chair beside the bed, bent forward, his elbows on his knees. His eyes remain dry, while his heart has never felt heavier. Whats worse is knowing the pain that Wendy is going through. And he doesn't even know how to comfort her. Little had been said between them today. He had held her... she had cried. He had tried to tell her it was going to be okay, but it was a feeble attempt to fix something that couldn't be fixed. He blamed himself. He didn't know how to cope. He was surrounded by family, friends, his wife, and yet a part of him felt alone.

Pain

"Is there anything I can help you look through or anything? Sometimes it takes a fresh pare of eyes to see something you might have missed."

Misty wanted to help where she could, even if she didn't know how. Scott was her friend too and she wanted to see her friend back at work as soon as possible.

Sitting up slowly in bed Katie's head throbbed slightly. Feeling the push of emotions twords her Katie knows who they are from a the corner of her mouth turn up in a very small slight smile.

A motorcycle ride, that might be fun and fill up some time in her day.

Yeah that might be fun. Maybe we can stop and have some lunch together too or something.

Seeing Scott enter from her seat Hope gives a smile and cant help the flash of surprise in her eyes as she see Scott. It had been such a long time since she had seen him and now, he looked much differnt from how she remembered. He looked good, just differnt.

The small smile returned to Hope's face the look now in Scott's eye was differnt. Past the small fear he had today she saw the change, and could see he had grown.

Giving a nod Hope raises her hand a little in a wave and mouths "Hi." No matter what she would be here for him. Not as a councilor, but a friend and maybe when this was all over even more.

Feeling the small baby lifted from her arms Wendy's grip tightens just a bit. She didnt want to let her daughter go, she didnt want to believe her baby girl was gone. But feeling Luke to continue to pull Wendy finally lets go as the tears move from her eyes more now. It hurt all over to know her little girl wouldnt grow up, and that her life had been short and was now done. It was a pain she wished she didnt have to face.

Knowing her stepfather was here and feeling his arms around her Wendy leans into him burrying her head into his chest as her heart slip in two. There was nothing she could do, there was nothing anyone could do. It was just a wound that would have to heal in time. And what a long painful road it would be.

Silent hello

"Mmm..." Carson reaches for the coffee, taking a big swig before shaking his head at Misty. "No... nothing... I keep going deeper and deeper and... nothing."

He groans and leans back in the chair, rubbing his hands over his face. "Reese would kill me if he know how many times I've risked my hacking being spotted."

Taking Misty's hand, he gives it a kiss, then rubs her arm lovingly. "I got a little while left... and maybe they won't convict Scott anyway." But he doubted it. With no evidence of innocence, Scott was still a threat.


Good morning.

Jason keeps his eyes closed, the lights this morning giving him a headache. He had felt an increase in the pull on his emotions and he knew Katie must be awake now.

A low rumble of thunder signals the rain that is on its way.

Wanna go for a motorcycle ride?


Reese walks down the long corridor, searching for the right meeting room. Finally finding it, he stops, just in time to see Hope arrive as well. He waits, and escorts her inside, neither saying much. The judge is waiting and so is Brown. The room is comfortable with a large table and about a dozen chairs. Though Judge Barkley seemed a bit serious, he was also friendly, helping calm the atmosphere somewhat. When questioned where Scott was, Reese assures them that he will be there soon... Gunner would be bringing him. And so, they wait.


Scott splashes cold water on his face and lets it drip down into the sink before reaching for a towel. Part of him dreaded today, while another part of him was glad it was finally here.

Drying his face, he stands straighter to look at himself in the mirror. He'd often wondered lately who that man was... where he was headed... where he was running to. Giving a little sigh, Scott brushes his teeth after having showered and shaved, wanting to look the best he could for the hearing. He'd been told it would be fairly informal, not taking place in a courtroom. He was glad for that - maybe it wouldn't be as intimidating as he'd thought it would be.

Finished cleaning up and finally dressed, it's back to the mirror. He takes his one contact and puts it in, covering up his blind eye. Blinking as it goes in a little crooked, he cringes until it's right. Looking at himself again, it appears he was normal. No one would know any difference unless they looked really close. That was the whole point. But...

"Scott? Fifteen minutes."

He looks to the door where Gunner's voice could be heard. "Yeah..." He looks back to the mirror. He'd fought to be normal for such a long time, but had never seemed to have accomplished it. But was that really the point? Or was it that he was supposed to accept himself for who he was, rather than trying to conform to other people's molds? It felt like a heavy revelation to gain while standing in front of a bathroom mirror, but it was there nonetheless. No one could ever plan the timing of these things.

Slowly, Scott reaches up and removes his contact to expose the lifeless gray eye. It made him stick out. It made him different, maybe even strange. But it was a battle scar from a fight he had survived. It was a reminder that he had fought and won. It was... him.

Staring at himself a few moments longer, his hand aims for his glasses then stop and go for his other contact case instead. Putting one in his good eye, he blinks while it adjusts and everything becomes a little bit clearer. He puts his glasses in a case and puts them in the cupboard. Back to the sink, this time a pair of scissors is in hand. His hair was already wet and he knew what he was doing. Snip. Short locks of hair fall into the sink, shaping into the look that wasn't for anybody else... this time, it was for him.

Finished within minutes, he cleans up, then runs his fingers through his hair, not bothering to comb it straight. It was shorter on the sides and trimmed on the top and back... it would do.

Exiting the bathroom, his navy collared shirt has two buttons undone, and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Tucking it into his jeans showed how thin he was, but he didn't care. He was through covering up. He puts on a belt while he walks into the living room to find Gunner. "Ready?"

"Yep." Gunner stands from the couch and heads to the door, letting Scott go out first. His sidearm was in place and he locks up the house before ambling to the car.

The ride to the courthouse is quiet, each man in his own thoughts. Scott wondered where he would be just hours from now, while Gunner wanted to reassure his friend but didn't know how.

Pulling up to their destination, a two-word prayer is all Scott can manage to think of. God... help.

Gunner is the first to get out of the car and he waits for Scott, knowing he was meant to be the escort, whether he liked it or not. Once inside, they're met by another officer who has the orders to see them to the room. Scott was no threat, but procedure was procedure.

Finally entering the room, all eyes look up. Scott can feel heat in his face, being the center of attention. His eyes go from Brown to Reese to Barkley to... Surprise flashes in his eyes as they rest on Hope. Something inside him immediately calms, while another part of him sends a chill down his spine. He wants to go talk to her, to greet her, to maybe even hug her... but he knew that nothing would be acceptable in this setting, other than to simply take his seat. So instead, he settles for mouthing, 'Hi.'

Sitting down in an empty chair, Scott's eyes fall to the floor. Gunner takes his seat on one side, the officer on the other.


Luke makes his way across the short distance between the house and the cozy medical building. It was early morning and a light fog covered the ranch. He normally wasn't up at this time... usually he could barely get out of bed before ten o'clock. But today he'd woken with enough energy to beat Angel out of bed and make coffee for her for once. With the help of his braces, he'd opted for a short walk, if he could make it, and had decided to check on Wendy, leaving Angel to some much-needed sleep.

He knew that Clint had finally been convinced to sleep a few hours in his own bunk as well, in order to get a little bit of good sleep. So entering the next building, he knows it will be quiet. But a new sound catches him by surprise. Stopping, he cocks his head. Was that... Wendy... crying?

Luke's heart leaps into his throat. No, it couldn't be... not yet....

Walking slowly, cautiously to the door, he knocks lightly with his knuckle before pushing the door open just a little. Then seeing his stepdaughter with her baby, his heart felt as though it were being torn in two. He knew.

Part of him wanted to turn right around and call Angel. But something made him stay this time, just for a few minutes before alerting anyone else. He didn't know why... but slowly his legs carry him over to the bed where he sits down on the edge.

Not knowing what else to do for the grieving mother, he gradually, gently reaches over to take Cecilia from her arms, placing her into the small cradle that had been her bed for only a few days. Then turning again, he wraps his arms around Wendy just to hold her as a tear of his own runs down his cheek. "Shhhh..."

Sad time come

Sitting at her desk Hope taps her pencil on the stack of papers on her desk. It was thirty minutes till Scott's hearing and Hope couldn't help but feel nervous herself. She didnt know what was going to happen but she could only hope Carson had found something.

Standing Hope gathers her things together and straightens her black shirt that she wore today with her white shirt. Taking her jacket she slids it over her shoulders and head out. She would get to the court house with a few moment to spare.

Coming up behind Carson Misty new he was busy at work trying to still help Scott. She couldn't be angry with him about that.

Setting the coffee down on the table Misty gives Carson a smile as she lays a hand on his shoulder.

"Find anything yet?"

The soft sounds of sobs can be heard from behind the door to the room where Wendy and the baby's were. The rest of the building being quiet as others were a sleep. Only Wendy was awake as she held Cecilia in her arms. The small baby was quiet, silent.

Laying quietly in bed Katie looked blankly at the wall. She could feel Jason's emotions again and they felt good, they comforted her and made her feel safe. But still everything swirled in her head and balance, and inner peace seemed so far out of reach.

Continuing to lay there Katie continplates what she would do today. Stay in bed? Go for a walk? She was told to relax but working was what took up most of her time and anything outside of that she didnt know what to do anymore. It seemed the time where she new how to fill the empty time was long gone, and that time would never come back. The simplicity of a child was gone, the joy was drained...and now..what was left?

Night, Morning

Reese gives a knowing nod to Hope. He knew that even though she herself would be tried for her relationship with Scott, he was important enough for her to risk further persecution. "It'll be at the courthouse in meeting room five. The judge will be present, along with Chief Brown, myself, and I don't know who else. Scott will be present and... it's at one o'clock."


Gage has to think about Sapphire's offer, but finally nods. "Okay. I... I like to read. They didn't like me reading books, but... I always sneaked some into my room anyway."


Jason gives Katie a little squeeze of encouragement. "Just take it easy for a while, alright? Take a couple days off work... give yourself a break. I think you need it."

Ryder nods as he finishes cleaning up the mess and pours Katie's water for her, handing her a plastic glass. "You probably won't want pizza but... if you want me to fix you anything milder for your stomach, just say so."

Both men hated seeing Katie suffer, and both knew that the kind of wound she had would take some time to heal. But both had faith that she was strong enough to overcome this hurdle, if allowed the time.


The night - regarded by some as a blanket of dark comfort... regarded by others as a frightening abyss of blackness. But it must come, as the sun sets below the horizon.

On one side of town, Ryder lies awake in bed, his body tired, but his ears tuned in to any slightest sound. Jason had left after supper, and since, Ryder had been aware that he might be needed, should Katie have trouble. Jason could feel her again, but Ryder was closer. His eyes stare up into the darkness. The evening had been a quiet one. After Katie had gone to bed, Ryder had stayed up with Thirteen to watch a fun movie before calling it a night. Now he was counting down the minutes until morning.

At a different street, Jason falls exhausted into his pillow. He was still withholding his negative feelings and it was wearing on him, after the trauma his body had already been through. But he was more worried about Katie than himself. The only reason he had left her tonight was knowing that Ryder was close by to help if needed. Tomorrow... tomorrow would be better. He tried not to think about the disappointments of the day. Tomorrow would be one step closer to a solution... one step closer to something new.

In the small room, Gage tosses and turns. Today had been full for him. With Hope. With Sapphire. Hope's evaluation had made him question himself... where he fit... where he was going. Time with Sapphire had continued to show him that there was more to life than he'd ever been allowed to see. He'd enjoyed eating out and trying Chinese food for the first time. He'd found that he couldn't take anything too spicy, but the flavors... oh the flavors were wonderful. And Sapphire was being so kind. He didn't know why, but he tried not to take it for granted. This night though... it was long. He'd never longed for freedom before... but the more he tasted, the more he wanted.

In another dwelling by dim light, a figure sits sharpening his knife. The sound of slide, slide, slide, pause, slide is the only sound that breaks the silence. Thoughts are far away. Hope is dwindling. And in the same house just down the hall, Scott listens to Gunner out in the living room. It didn't bother him - he was used to it by now. Tomorrow was what was bothering him. Carson hadn't called. Nothing had been found. He was as good as convicted.

Not far away, one pours over their computer, desperately searching. He needed more time. It wasn't fair. Carson had canceled his date with Misty to be here, and he kept running into dead end after dead end. He had until one o'clock tomorrow to find what he needed... and he wasn't going home and he wasn't opening up Mom and Pop's until he found it.

And while everyone is in different places in different circumstances with different thoughts, one common thread remains... the morning. And the sun does come, as sure as the dew on the grass. Slowly, slowly, spreading its light over the clouds in a brilliant display. But it was a light show not seen by many. For a thick cover of clouds had overtaken the land, thunder rumbling in the distance.


Reese looks at the clock. Time was ticking by slowly this morning. For Carson, who had been here all night, it was good. For him, he just wanted one o'clock to come and go so he would know the fate of his agent.


Scott paces back and forth in the living room, unsettled. Gunner trying to ignore him as he reads the newspaper.


Carson types away, his eyes red and tired. He'd seen Misty come in, moments before, but hadn't risen from his seat. He had to find it.... he had to.


Jason sinks down into his chair, exhausted. He hadn't yet said anything to Katie... he wanted to let her sleep as long as possible.

Books

Standing with Jason Katie can feel herself move into his arms even more. Searching for the comfort that Jason offered her.

"I feel tired, but thirty. I just...fell all messed up inside and I dont know what way is up anymore. I'm feeling a little more alert and not in as much pain though."

Katie could feel the emotions again she still was confused about what happend and why she had let her being taken bother her so much. Maybe the memories wouldnt come as much but the damage had been done, and the pain was now shown.

Giving a small giggle at the sound Gage's stomach was making Sapphire new he felt embarssed about it.

"Your stomach is making the same sounds as mine. I wont be long if you would like to come with me in my cubicle."

Sapphire hated seeing Gage alone all the time. He'd been alone most of his life, he didnt need that now too. She wasnt use to being this close with people, and she had always done things alone thats just how it was for her but now that Gage was here she tryed her best to get use to it. She had to admit, she rather liked having someone else around.

"I have some book in there you can read if you like. I dont know if there will be anything interesting but I like them."

Hearing, the Scott own court date was tomarrow Hope it quiet for a long moment. Many things ran through her mind. Her own court date was very soon and if she went it could hinder her own date. But she and Scott were close, she cared and couldnt let him go through this alone. No she would go for Scott she would go and to see him again would be great because how she missed him.

"What time, and where was it being held? I'd like to go and be friendly support to him."

Hearing

"Whoa, hey, it's okay." Ryder steps up quickly to the mess, leaning down to help Katie. He gives her a wink as he mops up some of the water. "I do this all the time."

Jason has stepped close too, and helps Katie up gently so Ryder can finish cleaning up and she doesn't have to. "You alright?" He bends his head a little so he can see her face. He contains a wave of pain that ricochets through his skull, keeping his emotions from letting anything out. Instead, he forces a smile. "I didn't want to wake you up... I figured you needed sleep. How are you feeling?"


Gage jumps, yanked from his quiet thoughts as Sapphire comes into the interrogation room. He catches her eye, just staring at her for a moment. "Um... I... don't know if I like Chinese food but... I guess I'm willing to try."

His stomach growls loudly in agreement and his face reddens. "I guess I'm hungry too." Standing up, he walks awkwardly for the door, stopping just a couple feet from Sapphire. "Um... I'll wait in my room I suppose. You can get me when you're gonna leave."


Reese looks up from his desk as Hope brings the papers to him in his office. His usual smile wasn't there and he eyes her for a moment. "Thank you." He's ready to let her go, but then seems to change his mind. "Hope... I just got a call from Chief Brown and.... the hearing for Scott has been set.... for tomorrow. I thought you might like to know."

Mistake

Giving a nod to Reese Hope takes the papers. Hearing that he might have an idea about something in the future she gives a smile and listens intently. If it had anything to do with helping people she was all for it. Though she couldn't see the future right now it was something to consider in case everything worked out.

"Well, if at the end of the week I still have my license I'd love to hear more about what you have planned. It defiantly sounds like something I would be interested in."

Giving another smile Hope makes her way over to one of the desk that was empty and starts to fill out the papers. Both men fit to life in the outside world if willing to learn. Alec lost and confused, feeling as though he was being thrown around and a caged animle, but there was hope behind his eyes and dreams. Gage a man that had grown up knowing nothing but the Agency's ways. Never having the options to do anything differnt. He new what he did was wrong, and wanted a chance to make up for what he did. He wanted to learn and would try his best.

Finishing up the paper Hope finds Reese to give them to him.

Watching Hope leave the room Sapphire sits at her desk for a long moment looking over her cubicle wall. Did Gage want to be alone or would he like some company. Letting a few more moments pass Sapphire finally stands and goes to the door. Knocking on the door softly Sapphire opens up the door and enters giving Gage a small smile.

"Hey Gage. I was going to be heading out shortly to go to a close chinese buffet, and I was wondering if you were up for it if you would like to come with me."

Feeling the bed move Katie shifts in the bed slightly. Feeling the gentil flow of Jason's emotions once again Katie knows the medicen must have worn off and neater had taken the meds again. Moving to lay on her back as Jason leaves the room Katie knows it must of been what was going on with her. Letting out a sigh she couldnt help but let out a deep sigh.

Continuing to lay there for just a moment Katie finally pulls the covers back. Her stomach hurt, her head still hurt and she felt wozy but her body hurt too and she needed something to drink.

Throwing on an over stuffed sweatshirt as she got a chill Katie makes her way out of her room and into the kitchen where the two men stand. Giving a small wave to them Katie's eyes were still a bit dull and his big bags under them. Making her way to the fridge Katie opens it to get out the pittcher of water but hearing a loud noise outside that was probley Trooper and Thirteen playing startled Katie and the pitcher goes to the floor with a loud crash. Just looking down at it for a long moment Katie lets out a long sigh.

"Sorry."

Going to grab a towel Katie's hand shook a little as she bent down to try and clean it up.

Reconnecting

"You have nothing to be sorry for," Jason comforts quietly. He kisses the top of her head again, settling down with her on the bed. His eyes closed, he just lets Katie rest in his arms, not minding her cuddling in closer. Humming a soft melody, the quiet minutes pass, with just the two of them. Enough words had been spoken for now... Jason knew Katie needed him here, and he realized that Katie knew he was here for her too, no matter if he'd wanted something different or not.

A gentle current begins to flow, slowly at first, gaining strength, little by little. Softly it spreads, seeping like a river over rocks and earth, soaking into the dry banks. Jason can feel the slow start of his emotions and can also feel that they are being received once more, filling Katie as their connection gradually rebuilds after being held back for a day.

Jason consciously lets the tender emotions slip through first, emitting only those. Only the good. Only the warm. Only the understanding. Katie needed those, not his disappointment, fears or irritation. He withholds the negative, filtering them out so they go no further than himself, allowing Katie to soak in all of the good that she could in her moment of need.

But even that takes effort. As the two lie together in the still quietness, Jason can feel his energy draining. He swallows the pain that comes from not allowing the negative emotions out, not letting Katie feel it. It hurt... it was hard, but it was his turn to protect.

Time didn't seem to exist as their connection is renewed. How much has passed, Jason doesn't know. But now exhausted, his humming slowly, slowly fades until his body gives in to sleep. And he sleeps, Katie still wrapped in his arms.


Gage finds it hard to believe Hope, but there was something about her that made him want to trust her. He wasn't sure what it was... but the way she talked... he wanted to believe her.

She said he was smart... that was something new. The people at the Agency always treated him like he knew what he was doing, but none had ever acknowledged his intelligence before. Hearing it from Hope, somehow gave him a new feeling of pride.

He finally nods slowly. "I... I want to stay out of jail if I can. I know it's not your decision but... if you put in a good word for me, I promise I'll try."

The interview doesn't take very long... he was a much easier man to evaluate than Alec had been, and soon Gage finds himself alone again, this time with his bottle of lemonade. Reese had left the door unlocked, but he still sits for a while anyway. He didn't have anywhere to go... and it was quiet in here. He takes another sip of lemonade, letting the flavor dance on his tastebuds.


Reese meets Hope out in the hall, handing her some sheets to fill out about both of the men. "I really appreciate this... it will help a lot when I have to discuss these men's futures. The law enforcement here has never really had a situation like this so... I want to start off on the right foot. I thought perhaps you could do Phinox's evaluation tomorrow, since it's already getting late."

He gives her a little nod. "Sometime soon I'd like to talk with you again... I have some ideas for the future... how we can help more people like these man. Not here... somewhere nearby where we can help them get a new start instead of just sending them off to learn on their own. Provide training and and..."

He stops, realizing his passion may have gotten the best of him, and he grins. "Well... that's something down the road a bit."


Ryder lets Thirteen and Trooper into the house, his keys jingling as he tosses them on the table. Looking around, he doesn't see Jason, but the truck is still in the driveway.

Trooper bounds into the living room, familiar with the house. Coming up around Thirteen's legs, he almost knocks her over, then thunders down the hall to the bathroom then back again, his energy overflowing.

Ryder's eyes widen and he nods Thirteen to the back door. "You might want to take him out back before we wind up breaking something." Chuckling, he wanders to the kitchen. What for supper, what for supper... It was a few hours yet but he had no idea what he wanted to do for the evening meal.


Jason hears the rumble in the hallway and at first, he has no idea where he is. Once he comes to his senses, he realizes that for some reason, he'd heard Trooper. Oh, Ryder and Thirteen must have brought him back here.

Shifting a little, Jason's body feels like a lead weight. Most of his energy had been spent trying to manipulate his own emotions, and though having slept for several hours, he was still tired. It would take a while to recover, but sometime he would have to let the rest of his emotions out. But not now... not until Katie was more stable.

Seeing her peaceful form, he kisses her on the cheek before rolling off the other side of the bed. Tucking the blanket around her, he isn't sure if she'll wake up or not, but he needed to be up and move around a little.

Ambling to the kitchen, he yawns and stretches, spotting Ryder.

"Hey, Hotshot." Ryder pokes around in the fridge, looking for something good. "How's Katie?"

"Mm..." Jason shakes his head and leans back against the counter drowsily. "She'll be alright... gonna take some time though. She just... I don't know."

Ryder quirks an eyebrow, still listening.

"I guess she's having a harder time dealing with what happened to her than we thought," Jason explains. "Then this whole thing with her and me... just made it worse. So... she's not doing too well at the moment. I don't know what it'll take to get her back... but I know it'll come... somehow."

Ryder nods. He knew it had to be hard. He wouldn't press the subject. He would learn more later. Letting the fridge door shut, he growls with frustration. He needed to go shopping.

Jason quirks half a smile. "Ordering in for pizza is usually the way I cure that problem."

Help

Giving a nod to Gage Hope listens hearing his every word carefully. There was something differnt in Gage's eyes than in Alec. They both wanted to same outcome but one had more of a willingness to fight and the other wanted to but didnt.

"We could teach you how and your a smart man Gage. You would catch on quick. Its ok to be scared too. We all get scared and sometimes something big and new can be like that. But if you have a good teacher like Sapphire you wont have to go through alone and everything will be ok."

Stoping again for a moment Hope dosnt speak slow because she thinks Gage is stupid but because she wants everything to be able to sink in before continuing not giving him to much to think about at once.

"I'd like to keep you from jail Gage. You dont belong there, and I can see the willingness to learn, grow and be better. That says a lot right there. I want to keep you from jail."

Feeling Jason holding her Katie cuddles deep into her blankest as her back is aganst Jason's chest. The tears still ran from her eyes, but she felt safe for the moment in his arms.

"I'm sorry. I just....I tryed to be strong and it just backfired all over the place. I'm sorry."

Bringing her hand to Jason's arm Katie gives it a small kiss before closing her eyes again and leaning her head aganst Jason's arm to feel his skin on hers. He was real, her memories were not she wanted to feel that realness close to her.

Weakness

"Shhh." Jason moves up on the bed, letting Katie rest her head in his lap. He continues to run his fingers through her hair, just letting her cry and talk. He felt rotten and he wasn't even sure why. Maybe because he felt he should have known she was in so much pain... that he should have seen the signs... that he should have been more careful.

Disappointment flickers in his eyes, but he keeps it at bay. He had had hopes for solving their connection problems, but it looked like it would not happen now. He knew Katie wasn't doing any of this on purpose - on the contrary, she was in so much pain. But he couldn't help but be a little disappointed that things hadn't worked out this time around.

"It's okay..." His voice is low and soothing. Looking up, he sees Rick still there. "Has she taken her dose today?"

"I doubt it. I don't think she's been out of bed. She better take hers though since you would have taken yours at least two hours ago."

Jason shakes his head slowly. "I... didn't take it."

Rick's eyebrows rise. "What? Why?"

"Something told me not to." Jason shrugs. "We don't have long now... I can feel things starting to move again. Katie should feel it soon, too." Bending over, he kisses her forehead. "You're gonna be alright," he coaxes. "I know it hurts... there's nothing wrong with the way you feel... it was an awful thing to go through and you have every right to feel scared."

As Rick watches, he could tell that Jason was disappointed. He knew his young friend had finally thought he'd found freedom. Giving that up right now wasn't easy for him, and he would probably think more on it later, but right now, he was there for Katie - she was priority and Rick approved. "Want me to stay?"

"I don't know what for," Jason admits. "Just... when you get back to TJY, ask Ryder if he and Thirteen can take care of Trooper and... tell Reese what's going on."

"Yeah, sure, no problem. If you need anything, call."

"Right." Jason watches him leave, then lifts Katie up a little. Kicking off his shoes, he scoots back further onto the bed to lay on his side, tucking Katie in next to him with his arm around her, his chest to her back. He kisses the top of her head and hums a lullaby for a few minutes, trying to comfort her. "If you need to talk more, I'm here."


Gage looks at the lemonade for several moments before hesitantly taking it. One could tell he wasn't sure what to do with a free gift from a stranger, but Hope had tapped into his new weakness. Unscrewing the cap, he takes a small sip, savoring the tangy sour and sweet flavor.

It takes him a long time again to respond to Hope. He wasn't slow... by no means. He was highly intelligent and knew exactly what she was asking. But he took time to formulate his answers.

"I don't know how to live my own life," he admits quietly. "I... I thought I did, but... now I know different." His eyes glance up to catch Hope's. "I didn't know all those things I did were wrong. I just... I saw a lot of people get hurt and... and I helped it happen... like with Katie..."

He swallows and shrugs lamely. "I didn't know there was anything else... I thought there was a reason for it all. And now, I... the thought of being on my own... I like it, but... I don't know how. It's kinda scary out there, ya know?"

He almost laughs, feeling very stupid. "I know they might send me to jail, and I guess maybe that would be best. I just... never had a chance before."

Would yoou

Staying down with her head rested into her pillow Katie hears Rick but didn't reply. She felt so confused, and scared. She had been broken, and wondered how she would be repaired. She was damaged and didnt know how anyone would want to take the time but Rick was here now, and wanted to help. Jen, Scott they all had said they wanted to help.

Hearing Jason's voice Katie jumps just a little not exspecting him to be coming and embarrassed he was there. Feeling his hand brush her hair from her face Katie opens her eyes tiredly looking up at him. Hearing his words a few more tears spring into Katie's eyes. He'd come, he had come for her to see what was wrong. Jason had cared.

Moving a little in the bed Katie takes Jason's hand into her own. Her kind was cold and clamy but the warmth from his own skin felt good. Gentily pulling herself closer to Jason Katie puts her head into Jason's lap as a few more sobs could be hurd.

"I hated how I felt, to be disconnected from you. To think you were dead because the Agency had cut me off from you. I was so scared and I was so alone. The only comfort was when they came in to torcher me, try and pump me for information. There words..."

Katie's hand clasped Jason's as she talked and her memories came into him.

"...There words whispered and stuck. I wanted to die, but I wanted to live...it hurt so bad and...I just....I was so alone, and I hated how it felt, and I hate myself even more that I am like this and I dont even know why."

Katie's words were mixed together in babble as most didnt make much sence. But it was everything Katie felt and there was so much more but Katie feared much more and she would lose everything in her stomach again.

Continuing to give a smile to Gage Hope makes herself a bit comfortable as she kept her eyes soft and spoke in a soft tone as well.

"Well, I am here because I want to help you Gage. You've keep kept away from the outside world for a long time. If given the chanse we would like you to have a fighting chanse in the world to do stuff normal people do. To have a freedom you have never known."

Gage was different from Alec he was calmer, and had a different temperament altogether. One she did not perfer over the other. To her they were the same just needed to be handled differentially.

Once again reaching in her bag this time for Gage she pulls out a bottle of lemonaid. Setting it on the table she pushes it twords Gage.

"You can take it if you like. I thought maybe you were thirty."

Sitting back in her chair again Hope folds her hands in front of her as she continues to watch Gage.

"As for what they are going to do with you, I dont know but from what I can see Sapphire wants to be your friend and help you be happy, and everyone else just wants to you to be able to live you own life. would you like that?"

Done

Gage hesitantly raises his eyes to look at Hope. He studies her for such a long time that one might think he either wasn't going to answer her, or he hasn't heard her at all. But finally, he speaks.

"I've been having a good a time as any man who is finding out everything he's ever known has been a lie." His eyes seem tired and almost sad. "They didn't explain much about why you were here... you must be taking an evaluation or something, right?"

His eyes drift from her to her bag, wondering if she were armed with paperwork or weapons. "I've been trying to figure out what they're going to do with me but no one seems to know... not even Sapphire."


Listening to Katie, Rick withdraws a little, a chill running down his spine. Something wasn't right. He didn't know how this was connected to the meds if it was at all, but he didn't like this, not one bit.

Rising to his feet, he walks into the hall, leaving the bedroom door open. He reaches for his cell phone and waits. "Yeah, Jason, it's Rick. I don't know, look, I don't want you taking anymore of the antidote, okay? I don't know. No, I don't think it's that, it's just... I don't think she can handle it right now. There's more to this than we thought. Please... okay. Yeah, you might want to come too and we'll go from there."

Rick goes back to Katie's side, sighing deeply. He gives her arm a pat. "You know... even Heroes have weak spots, Katie... and that's not a bad thing. It helps us to always remember we're human." He pauses, hurting for his young friend. He didn't know what she was talking about, but he had a sinking feeling it had to do with her experience with the Agency. "There's always help for you... in here." He taps over her heart. "But you gotta let people in to let those wounds heal."

It doesn't take long before the sound of Jason's truck can be heard. Rick goes to the window to make sure it's him, then meets him at the door. Another two minutes, and Jason is in Katie's room, kneeling beside the bed, near her head so he can be eye-level with her. Worry courses through his eyes as he reaches out to comb his fingers through her hair. "We won't take any more," he mentions quietly. "No more right now, okay? You gonna tell me what's really going on?"


Scott's head slams into the mat and he cries out, but his opponent doesn't give in.

Gunner manipulates their position, dominating the match like he always did. "Come on, Scott, you're making it too easy."

Scott grits his teeth and writhes under Gunner's weight before bringing a leg up and around across Gunner's throat to throw him to the side. The move is effective and Gunner grunts as his elbow hits the floor. "There you go, there you go."

Sweaty from head to toe, Scott manages to get back to his feet, his knees threatening to buckle. His hands up in front of his face, he manages to block a jab and a kick, but then misses his own punch and leaves himself vulnerable. A hit to the ribs sends him back down again where he's put in a hold he can't break. Trying to breath, he gaps as Gunner's forearm presses against his throat, his own arm twisted mercilessly behind his back.

"You just can't learn can you, Scott?" Gunner hisses in his ear. "You're too stupid to do anything right." He yanks a little harder on Scott's arm. "You're not good enough to be with the Elite."

Scott's anger boiled. He was so tired of this same thing over and over and over again, Gunner hounding him and pounding into him that he was no good. Being told he wasn't good enough for the one place he wanted to return to finally pushed him over the edge. "That's not true!" he cries out.

Gunner rolls Scott over to see his face, still keeping him in a locked hold. "Prove it!"

Scott's eyes blaze. "I don't have to!"

Gunner's hold is suddenly released and he rocks back to stand up and look down at Scott. "We're done."

Scott is breathing heavily and he blinks. "What?"

"We're done." Gunner offers him a hand up.

"You mean... for good? But... I haven't-"

"You're ready to face the world, Scott." Gunner nods. "You've just proven it."

Hero's

Entering the room where Gage was next Hope once again takes in everything around her becoming familiar with this room as well even though it was the same.

Sitting down across from Gage Hope just watchs him for a long moment. Though Gage, and Alec were two different people completely still there were some things that were the same.

"Hi Gage. My name is Hope Garrison. How are you today? I heard Sapphire has been showing you around. Have you been having a nice time?"

Hope offers Gage a small smile.

Letting out a quivering sigh Katie looks blankly at the wall. How was she to even explain it. Everyone would think she was crazy and maybe she felt it a little but she didnt need people pointing it out.

"Hero's arnt meant to have weakness Rick."

A small tear trickled form Katie's eye as she tryed to keep her memories away. She hated how out of controll she felt.

"I hate that medicine you made. And I hat the way it makes me feel, the memories it brings. Its bad enough I have to have physical scars let alone mental ones that keep getting ripped open as well. And Jason just wouldnt understand because he think what he is doing is right."

Letting out a long sigh Katie closes her eyes.

"The darkness is my only friend where and sleep keeps the memories at bay. There is no help for me Rick."

Important

Alec watches Hope leave, keeping his eyes on her until the door falls shut. Looking back at the table, he folds his hands, staring at the cuffs. Glancing up to the corner of the room, he glares at one of the cameras. No one would ever trust him to give him freedom.


Reese purses his lips and nods. "Thank you, Hope... I appreciate this. I'll have some paperwork for you to fill out so I can put your thoughts on file. In the meantime... your next party awaits."

Pushing open the door to the other interrogation room, he reveals Gage, sitting at a table. The scene mirrored the other room, except Gage was not bound. Though not cuffed, he slouches in his chair, no confidence present, let alone pride. His hands rest in his lap, and his eyes are glued to the table. He wasn't really sure why he was in here or why they had some woman coming to talk with him... or what difference it would make.


Rick sighs deeply. "Help me out here, Hero..." He keeps his voice soft... soothing. "I need to know what's wrong so I can help you. Are you really sick? Does it feel like a cold, or the flu? Since you're on that medication it's really important that I know."

Lost

"Nather of you are a targets Alec..."

Taking the cards from the table Hope puts them back into the box before leaning down and putting the cards into her bag once again knowing the short window she had, had was now closed and Alec was now closed up.

Though she saw much not many other people could see Hope had and she new there was more behind those cold eyes and she saw the hope that was there.

"Alec, I do want to help you but you have to help yourself first. Your far from a kid so I wont do my normal speech. But if you even wanna play cards again is your choose and just ask for me."

Standing Hope takes her bag and heads to the door before stoping and turning giving a small smile.

"Your an intresting guy Alec, Thank you for playing cards with me."

Leaving the room Hope lets out a long sigh as she turns to look at Reese.

" He's not a bad guy Reese. He's just lost, scaired, and confused. He dosnt know where he fits in and he knows he has done things wrong he's just...."

Hope looks back in the room for a moment catching the last glimps of Alec as the door closes.

"...lost."

Katie looks tiredly from under the blankets. Her eyes seemed almost lifeless as they held a tired gaze.

"Its not the medicen Rick. I just want to sleep, I'm tired and I dont feel good. I just....dont want to be here. ."

Katie sinks her head back into the pillow as she can still feel Rick next to her. She wanted to talk to him, yet she new it wouldnt help. There was nothing that could help.

Too quiet

Alec tosses his cards down. All he'd had was a pair of nines. Gathering the cards, its his turn to deal. "You want to know everything? You want me to put all of my figurative cards on the table?"

Alec spreads his hands. "I don't know anything else, alright? Thirteen's got a home - great. She's got some Aussie sucker to go right alone with it. And Gage? He's too stupid to know better. Me, I'm like a tiger, brought in to the zoo. Not only do I just get to pace all day, I got creepy people staring at me, looking in on me, and making sure I behave. I'm gonna get that whether I'm behind bars or not. So why not choose bars where I get three free meals a day?"

Sighing, he looks back at the cards, unwilling now to play anymore. Dreams existed behind his eyes... dreamed he'd never dared to let surface. Underneath his thick outer shell, there was more that he expertly hid from the world to protect himself. Faced with the unknown... he would choose jail where he knew he'd fit in, rather than freedom where there was a risk of failure. He was no more a threat to the Elite than Gage... but it took an expert eye to see it.

Alec shakes his head. "I don't think there's much more to talk about here." He hands her back her cards. "Tell Reese what you will... I'm sure he's got Gage waiting in the next room over. He should be an easier target for you."


Jason rubs his forehead, hearing Katie's tired voice. "Okay, I'm gonna send Rick over. I'm sure he'll be there soon... I... I hope you feel better."

Ending the call, Jason goes straight to Rick, explains the situation, and Rick wastes no time in going to the house. Letting himself in, Rick quietly heads to where he knows Katie's room is. Tapping on the door, he cautiously enters, peeking in first. "Katie?" His voice is soft and gentle.

Approaching the bed, he eases down next to her, feeling her forehead. "What's wrong, hmm? Is it the medication, or something else?"


"How we doing this afternoon?"

Bret looks up at JT warily. "I don't know how "we" are doing, but I'm sore."

JT chuckles and starts checking Bret over. "Shoulder?"

"Hurts like you know what."

"Neck?"

"Feels better."

"Mm." JT checks around the neck brace. "Might not be as bad there as I first thought." He moves down to Bret's lower body, then starts to poke and prod his leg.

"That's sore," Bret mutters.

JT suddenly stops, his eyes wide. "Say what?"

"I said it hurts..." Then Bret's eyes widen as well. "That's... that's a good thing, right?"

"It sure is." JT's hope was returning. "Can you move your leg at all?"

Bret stares down at it and concentrates, suddenly realizing that he could lift it again.

A smile spreads on JT's face. "Well, well, well, looks like you were holding out on us."

Bret's eyes were wide. "How? I mean..."

JT shakes his head. "Could be a number of things. "I was hoping to see this. See, your back received quite a shock, and I was hoping when that shock wore off, that no permanent damage had been done. We'll have to keep an eye on this, but hopefully... you're looking at a complete recovery."

"That sounds awfully good." Bret grins. "How long am I gonna have to stay in here?"

"Depends. We're looking at at least a week right now but... keep up the good attitude and you'll be out of here in no time."


Clint paces the small room, the bundle still sleeping in his arms. Wendy was resting quietly in the next room with Cecilia sleeping as well.

Clint's eyes almost drift shut as he rocks Chase, his boots creating a soft tempo on the wood floor. The door opening brings him back to attention and he sees his dad.

Jim gives him a smile. "Hey... just wanted to see how you guys were holding up."

Clint tries to smile wearily. "We're okay."

"Rough night?"

"Mm." Clint nods. "Haven't gotten much sleep."

Jim approaches and strokes Chase's head lovingly. "Can't be this guy giving you trouble."

"Oh, no," Clint rolls his eyes. "Not him." He smirks with sarcasm. "It's Cecilia who's quiet. Chase is the one who's kept me up the last two nights."

Jim chuckles. "Your sister was the quiet one of you two, too."

"Yeah well..." Clint sighs. Their baby girl just didn't move much at all. She was peaceful, but her energy was low, proving Angel right. "Cecilia is too quiet."

Jim catches the seriousness in Clint's tone and sets a hand on his shoulder. "Hang in there."

"Yeah... I will."

"Need anything?"

"Naw... Angel's been in and out. We're okay."

"Alright. If you do need anything, just holler."

Choose

Looking at Trent for a long moment Thirteen plays with the leash in her hand for a moment just thinking about the question. Was she happy? For the most part yes, though she had her reasons not to be. She still had wants that wernt being filled, and things that confused her.

"Sometimes yes. But than there are reasons I am not to I guess."

Drawing silent and thinking for a moment Thirteen goes to say more but stops as she knows her question once again would not be answered so there was no point asking.

Taking a few steps back and clicking her toung to Trooper Thirteen gives a nod.

"I better get Trooper walked and go back before Ryder worrys about me."

Turning Thirteen makes her way down and around the parking lot a little before heading back inside. She felt safe with Trooper but still didnt venture far without someone with her.

Once again taking her hand and moving everything around Hope lays down 2 and picks up to more considering the options she had in her hand and how she wanted to play it out. Though she consintrated on the cards her mind was still working about Alec.

"Thirteen has say on what she does now too, and Gage is getting there slowly. They are aloud outside now, and Thirteen even has her own place to live. "

Finally putting her hand down Hope had a full house. Folding her own hands in front of her she just studys Alec across from her.

"Your making the choose to stay here Alec but not trying to show them anything differnt.Freedom...what is freedom? I am free, I do what I want when I want too. At the Agency there was no freedom they only made it seem that way. If you were free why are they trying to kill you now? Would you really want to go back to that? Wondering if each day you lived or died?"

Stretching a little in her chair Hope continues to watch Alec.

"You have a better freedom here Alec, an eternal freedom and there is hope if you just give it a chanse. Would you do that? At least try and if you dont like it and you think Jail is better you can have that?"

Laying her head down on the pillow again Katie closed her eyes from the sunlight that shown a little more into her room. She just wanted to sleep more.

"If you want to have Rick come and see me thats fine. I wont be into work today."

Happy?

As Jason waits, he grows more worried. Katie hadn't sounded good. Finally getting her back on the phone, he asks her with seriousness in his voice. "Does Rick need to come see you? He wanted to know if the meds were making you sick."


Alec folds his hands, the cuffs clinking on the metal table. He wasn't used to this type of conversation. He didn't know how to go up against it. Truth be told, he didn't know what kind of better things existed. He hadn't been like Gage in the Agency... he'd been allowed freedom. He'd had his good times and wild times on the town. He'd been able to do most what he pleased, while not on duty. It wasn't until now that he had started to realize that they were a bunch of back-stabbers. But Alec knew deep down that he didn't know what else was out there. He didn't know what it was like to have a family... to be loved... to live like the people around him lived. They seemed happy, even though they weren't gallivanting around. But what made them happy about following all those rules and the laws, he wasn't sure. He was curious... but wasn't sure about it.

Just watching the cards, he waits until they're dealt out again before picking his up. The variety stunk. He has to exchange four, and then shifted them around in his hand, waiting for Hope to show her cards first this time.

"I..." He stops and exercises his jaw muscles. "I'd just rather go back to what I had. At least I was free to do what I wanted. Gage - he's a misfit treated like some caged animal, he and that girl. But at least I had say on who I was and what I could do."


"Well it looks like Trooper likes being around you too," Trent muses to Thirteen. He cocks his head, unable to help his smile. "You're in a good place now... are you happy?"

More than planed

Looking over her cards at Alec Hope is quiet again thinking about her cards before placing some down and picking up more.

"Reese asked me to come here, but he did in no way ask me what questions I was to ask. So yes these questions to you are being asked because I want to ask them."

Placing down her cards as Alec does his, the Aces beat what she had and knows this round she had lost. But that didnt mean the game was over.

"As for an influance I have non and this has ntohing to do with it."

Picking up the cards and shuffling them herself Hope does it with ease showing she as well now what she was doing with a deck of cards.

"But the question is, would you want to see something better if given the chance?"

Giving a little jump not relizing Trent was there Thirteen twists around looking at Trent letting her eyes get use to the day light after being inside. Relizing it was Trent and Throoper didnt seem to upset Thirteen gives a small smile.

"Hi. Thanks."

Thirteen looks down at Trooper and gives him a gentil pat on the head before looking to Trent again.

"I look after him for Jason sometimes. It helps me go outside more too because I know Trooper will keep me safe."

More infomation offered than she had planed on shearing Thirteen found it strange that she liked offering information to Trent. She just felt comfortable around him.

Hearing Jason's voice on the other line Katie sits up in bed a little. Looking at the clock and seeing what time it was Katie hadnt relized how long she had been sleeping. She just felt so tired still and her head hurt.

"I am not feeling so good."

Katie falls silent again not really saying much. She didnt know what to say other than she wasnt feeling well. Though as she sad up a wave of unwanted emotions did make thereself known and Katie could feel her stomach churn.

"Jason hold on..."

Getting out of bed quickly Katie was happy that the bathroom was only across the hall as she bolted to it. Feeling her stomach revolt aganst the emotions this time it dosnt last to long. Cleaning up her face and running cold water on it Katie goes back into her bedroom and climbs back into bed before picking up the phone again.

"Sorry to put you on hold."

Nice dog

Alec quirks an eyebrow as he studies his cards and throws two down to take two more. "You're asking me questions because Reese told you to," he retorts. "Not because you want anything to do with me. You're helping out the Elite 'cause either you're getting paid, you owe them a favor, or you're trying to be nice so you can have an influence on your boyfriend's situation."

He glances up at her. "I hear he might not be working here much longer."

Pausing, he lays down his cards lazily without the fun of betting. He had two pairs, Ace high.

"I've never seen anything better to move on to," he answers her recent question.


Trent is leaning back against the brick wall, just standing in the shade alone... quietly. He'd checked in on Jeff and found him about the same. His brother was restless, but was still sick enough that he couldn't get up and move around for very long. Trent wasn't sure if he still should stay or not, but he was leaning towards returning to Texas, at least for now.

Hearing the door open, he jumps, startled as the massive dog emerges, then Thirteen. He watches them a moment, but knows he better make himself known, lest he scare the girl.

"Hi, Jasmine. Nice dog."


Jason taps his fingers on his desk, fidgeting with everything. He just wasn't settled. He didn't feel so badly, but he was worried about Katie. He didn't like it that she hadn't come in to work.

Finally he gives in and picks up the phone. After it rings several times, he hears a groggy answer. "Katie... it's me. I didn't want to wake you, I just... wanted to make sure you were okay?"

Playing

Thinking for a long moment Hope continues to watch and listen to Alec as she reaches for the cards that held been delt.

"Well I would guess its good we are not peaces of garbage. At least I dont believe you are, so for that reason alone, even if I do turn on the garbage despoil you wont be in there for get chopped up."

Hope just listens again for a long time getting a feel for Alec and understanding him. She had left this up to him, and now she didnt want to interrupt.

Opening her hand so she can see the cards better Hope looks them over before looking to Alec again she finally speaks.

"I think poker sounds like a good game to play. Fast, easy and gives us time for more games in our time limit. You dont always have to have bet with money to have fun. Sometimes its nice to just play with nothing to worry about losing."

Moving the cards around in her hand Hope draws silent again just moving her cards and looking up to see Alec every now and than.

Seeing the deeper side of Alec was differnt than most people she had seen and seeing the deep scars that Alec bore hurt to see anyone go through that.

"If you didnt got to jail Alec what would you do?"

Hope draws a card before throwing one away.

"Would you try to make a new better life for youself? Or would you even be willing to take your own life into your hands, and take the steps to move onto something better? My questions are not for interrogation but to simply to get to know you because I am intrested in you, and helping you. "

Looking at Ryder confused for a moment Thirteen looks at the way that Jason had walked and than back to Trooper as she pated his head.

"I hope they be ok!"

Not waiting for much of a reply Thirteen stands seeing Trooper go out the door.

"I'll take him out."

Following after the dag Thirteen finally caught up and took the leash. She liked taking Trooper outside she felt safe knowing the big dog was with her to keep her safe.

Poker

Alec can't help it that he's surprised when Hope pulls out a deck of cards. He stares at them a moment, then back up to her, listening to her. For once, he stays quiet. Something about this woman... there was something... He didn't know what it was or why it was there, but there was something there that could calm a man's spirit. Alec wasn't used to dealing with people like her, and he tried to keep his guard up.

After several quiet moments, he finally reaches out to take the deck. Though his hands were cuffed, he could still manage to shuffle the cards, and quiet well at that, proving he'd played a game or two in his life.

Still just shuffling, he keeps his eyes on the cards, but finds himself talking. It was strange - he really didn't want to talk, but he was doing it anyway.

"A piece of garbage is a piece of garbage no matter what it thinks," he retorts to Hope's earlier question. "You can tell a rusty piece of lettuce that it's queen for a day and it can even believe you, but in the end..." He mimics a nosedive with his finger. "...it's still the garbage disposal for it."

The cards flip together loudly as he continues to mix them and he finally looks up to meet Hope's gaze. "You may think you don't want me to go to jail." He scoffs. "I don't want me to go to jail either. But it's the same thing. I got pulled into the Agency when I was just a kid. Thought it was all fun and games until I killed a man. I was fourteen."

Fourteen. Something had changed that day. He'd lost all innocence. He'd never returned to the little boy that never had enough time to grow up.

Alec shrugs and starts dealing out the cards, not even caring what game they played. "I've been interrogated here countless times, and squeezed dry of any and all information I have. The Elite knows what kind of a man I am. And now I'm a traitor to the Agency too. It doesn't matter what I do or where I go... either I'll have a warden watching me like a hawk, or the Agency coming after me."

Though he spoke with a cocky air that implied he didn't care one way or the other, in his eyes was a look of pain... a look that proved a scar existed... a scar of rejection. He had trusted the Agency. He could say all day long that he always knew anyone in the Agency had to look out for themselves, but in the end, he had trusted them, and now he had been left for dead - worse, they'd even tried to kill him themselves.

"Now I know you're supposed to evaluate whether you think I ought to go to jail for my crimes, or to keep the Elite safe from my evil hands, but give yourself a break and just turn on the garbage disposal."

He looks at his cards, then back up to Hope. "Seeing as though I have nothing to bet with, we better play something other than poker."


Ryder sees Thirteen look at him, and he knows that she must be wondering about Jason's odd behavior. He shrugs a little. "Jason and Katie are having a few problems," he explains gently. He reaches out to scratch Trooper's head. "Hey, big guy. You feel it too, don't you?"

Trooper sighs deeply as if he understands, then turns to walk out of the cubicle, dragging his leash with him. Apparently, he needed to go outside.

Litte Room

Hope continues to look at Alec cocking her own head to one side but not in confustion only understanding, and trying to see deeper. Alec was a smart, good looking man but what was past that, what was held in his heart.

"Do you really believe your a peace of garbage?"

Reaching down in her her bag she had brought in Hope pulls out a fresh deck of cards and set them on the table.

"Do you like to play? I do. I'll play you a few rounds with you if you like. We dont have to talk about anything at all if you dont want. I'll leave it up to you. But truth be told, I dont want to see you go to jail Alec. I think we all do some wrong things and even if some people think we are nothing but garbage, I think there is more and everyone deserves to try again. Even you, your not a kid, and you have a mind of your own. Thats why its your choose."

Hope pushes the cards twords Alec letting him make the choice and choose what was to happen next. He wanted to make the choose, he wanted to make the desition...she would let him do what he wanted in the small room.

Charlotte smiles as she rubs her nose aganst Bret's before pulling away a little bit and giving a nod.

"Mmmmhmmm, They let me out so I could come see you. I think I like spending time with you more anyways."

Charlotte cant help the small laugh before she shifts a little on the bed.

"Do you need me to do anything for you?"

Giving a laugh as Trooper licks her face Thirteen trys her best to push the big dog away but cant with his big size and ends up falling over as he continues to lick her.

Finally though the kiss stop and the big Dog sits and waits. Watching Jason walk away Thirteen looks after him, than to Trooper, and than to Ryder. She had picked up on a bit of sadness in Jason, and didnt understand it.

Garbage

Jason finally gets to his feet after a little while of basic work on the computer. Fastening the leash on Trooper's collar, he leads the giant dog down the hall and to the main floor. But he doesn't go to the exit. Instead, he aim for the cubicle where Ryder and Thirteen were.

Ryder looks up as Jason approaches. "Well, g'day."

Jason nods. "I just... thought maybe Thirteen would like Trooper's company. He could use the attention." Letting Trooper go, the dog enters the cubicle to stick his face up into Thirteen's, giving her a wet kiss.

Jason grins a little before looking to Ryder again. "Did you... see Katie this morning?"

"Naw, mate, sorry. Checked on her before we left, but she was still in bed."

"Oh... okay." His shoulders drooping just a little, Jason heads back towards his own office again.


Landon grins at Charlotte, sticking around for just a few minutes longer. Seeing husband and wife distracted by each other, he slowly slips away.

Bret chuckles. "Wild rides are the best kind, right?" He sighs deeply, sore today. Every injury seemed to hurt, but he tries to ignore it. "So... out of work early today?"


Alec cocks his head to one side, lifting an eyebrow and giving Hope a once-over. "You're the shrink?" He shrugs. "Not bad, and of course I know why I'm here, I'm not an idiot."

He tilts back in his chair, then lets go, letting the legs drop back down loudly on the floor. "I'm here because I was with the Agency and now they're trying to decide what to do with me." He smirks. "It's nice to be something no one knows what to do with. It's like a piece of garbage that you really don't want to throw away because maybe you'll use it sometime, but it really isn't worth the space it takes up to keep it. So you wind up taking it to the dump."

He shrugs lamely, his eyes dull. He was so full of anger, but something deep, deep down had been broken. He wouldn't admit it. No, he wouldn't admit that he had been vulnerable enough to have anything broken, let alone his spirit. He would fight tooth and nail to escape, but on the inside... he knew it wouldn't matter. Here, he was a criminal. With the Agency, he was a dead man. Maybe he'd been stupid with Ryan, but the root of his actions still existed. Would he hurt those at TJY? Was he a risk? He was teetering on the fence, not knowing which side to fall on. But one thing was sure - he wanted to take care of himself.

"So don't bother wasting time on me," he ads gruffly. "All you'll do is find out I belong behind bars like the rest of the street dogs and that'll be that. Unless you're getting paid by the hour and want to stick around. If that's the case though, you should have brought a deck of cards."