Arrival

Jason smirks. “Yeah, she chose me alright.” In all reality, he loved dogs so he loved Domino’s attention, but it did feel a little strange to be playing with Scott’s dog.

Wyatt gets up from the couch. “Alrighty, then. Chips and dip it is. And yes, you can help. Come on.”

Leading the way to the kitchen, Wyatt points to the bag of chips. “There’s that, and…let me grab the dip.” He opens the refrigerator door. Shoving a few things aside, he suddenly lets out a groan. “I forgot about this pasta salad…it looks like a science experiment gone wrong.” Tossing it into the trash, he glances to Aerith. “You didn’t see that.”

Finally finding the dip, he finds a few bowls, then grabs some cans of pop too before heading back into the living room. Flopping back down on the couch, he scans his rack of movies. “We got action…comedy…romance, though that’s Jason’s least favorite.”

Jason throws him a look. He knew Wyatt wasn’t aiming his comment at Jason’s personal life, but really that they weren’t Jason’s most liked genre. “Just let Aerith pick whatever she wants to watch. I’ll probably fall asleep anyway.”

“Party pooper.”


“Hey, where’s my bag?

“Scott, think fast!” A backpack flies through the air.

“Anybody seen my purse?”

“How long until we’re at the ranch?”

The group from Nevada is wide awake as they pile into the van that Mick volunteers to drive to the ranch. Chatting the whole way, the mood is kept light and alert, despite the hour.

It feels like forever, but the ranch sign finally comes into view. Mick is glad to see the lights on in the mess hall. He knew Rosetta would be up, but had a suspicion that everybody else would be up too.

“Alright, everybody out!”

Con is one of the first out, and makes sure he’s got Jamie with him before heading up the porch and to the door. Knocking loudly, he throws open the door, knowing good and well that everybody is up and waiting. “Hey, look alive!”

Heads snap to attention from the tables and body’s rise. “Con! Jamie!”

The rest of the group filters in one after the other. Ty sticks fairly close to Mick, unsure about all of this, and scanning the strange faces in the room.

Scott hangs back out of the way, his pulse quickening just a bit as he steps into the room full of people he didn’t know.

Mick’s eyes drift over the faces until he lands on Rosetta’s. His eyes lock with hers, a small smile spreading.

Jim sits in the corner of the mess hall, having remained seated. As he catches sight of Ty, his breath catches in his throat. There was no doubt in his mind.

Clint mingles with the others, greeting Con and Katie. Out of the corner of his eye he catches sight of a younger man, and his attention is immediately drawn to him. He seemed…familiar…kind of.

Cindy gives Con a big hug, along with Katie and Jamie. As she realizes her son is not in the group, disappointment flickers in her eyes, but she keeps the smile on her face. She'd stayed up late and come from home to greet everyone no matter who it was, and that's what she was doing.

Help?

*Aerith smiles at Wyatt as he cleans her hand. His touch was soft. Though the pain did hurt she tryed not to wince.*

"Thank you. The pain is starting to stop already."

*Aerith smiles at Wyatt again. At the mention of chips and dip Aerith smiles.*

"That sounds yummy. I dont really feel to tired myself. So I'd be up for a movie too.*

*As Domino Jumps in Jason's lap she cant help but laugh. She was starting to feel better already. Reaching over she gives Domino's head a pat and scratch behind the ears. Taking her toy she throws it down the hall. Giving a laugh as the dog jumps off Jason's lap and heads after it. Giving Jason a playful nudge Aerith states.*

"She sure is cute. Looks like she picked you to be her new best friend."

*Playing with Domino alittle more and chating Aerith turns to Wyatt remember about the chips.*

"Hey you wouldent happen to want any help geting the chips and dip would you? As for the movie i am up for anything."

Irony

Jason chuckles. “Yeah, we work together. I figured you knew Wyatt when I saw you a the concert the other night.”

Wyatt smiles at Aerith, glad she accepts the invitation. “Good. You ride in front with me, we’ll toss Jason in the back.”

Jason rolls his eyes in dry humor, and climbs in, allowing Aerith to take the passenger seat.

It doesn’t take long for the three to arrive at Wyatt’s. He parks in the driveway and makes sure everybody is out okay before heading up the walk.

An excited Domino greets everyone at the door with a few short barks and a wiggling body. As she gets underfoot, Jason automatically reaches down to scoop her up and hold her still, though she continues to wriggle in his arms, licking at his hands. “You silly pup.”

Wyatt gestures to the dog, explaining to Aerith. “Domino belongs to a friend of mine who’s out of town at the moment.”

Leaving Jason to find his own ice, Wyatt goes to the bathroom and comes back with some ointment and bandages. Looking to Aerith, he nods to the living room. “Come on.” Sitting down on the couch, he directs her next to him. Taking her hand, he unwraps the bandana and cleans the wound again, applying a bit of ointment. Knowing it must hurt, he apologizes. “Sorry…” In moments, the fresh bandages is on. “There you go.” Wyatt nods with satisfaction.

By now, Jason’s in another chair with his leg propped up on a footstool, a bag of ice over his knee. “You realize you’ll have to take me home now.”

“Not if you just want to spend the night.” Wyatt shrugs. “I don’t care.”

Jason contemplates the offer. He didn’t really care either.

Wyatt looks back to Aerith. “Well, since you’re here, we can..” He stops and slaps his forehead. “Ice cream….that’s the reason I went into town in the first place, and now look…I got home with out it.” He laughs at himself. “Well, I’ve got some chips and dip if anyone wants it…” He looks at the clock. It was late, but it didn’t feel like it. “And I got a whole stash of movies if you’re interested.”

Domino comes racing down the hallway, her toy squeaking in her mouth with every bound. Running into the living room, she takes one big leap, ending in Jason’s lap.

Jason looks down at her with mock annoyance. “You’re a pain, you know that? How come you have to pick on me?” Irony had a sense of humor. Of course it had to be Scott’s dog that liked him. Well, she couldn’t help it.

Sighing, Jason relents and gives her head a scratch, then a begged-for belly rub.

Robin Hood and William

*Aerith gives a small smiles as she looks between Jason and Wyatt. *

"I've come to relize that this restront is a hotstop. I am guessing Jason you work with Wyatt? You guys both move the same, your actions they way you fight. Not to mention I hurd you on the phone the one day."

*Aerit grins alittle bit her nerves were starting to calm down a bit. Before around the to guys, she hadent known long but could feel a certin peace and safe aura with them.

As Wyatt runs his invite by Aerith she locks eyes with him for a moment. A sudden feeling of sadness. Would her new friends soon be gone. The though was horrable. A million though convayed in that one look.*

"I'd like that."

*Aerith breaks her gave from Wyatt and looks to Jason. Maybe this would be the last time to spend with her new found friends. Maybe they should make the best of it while they could. God braught them into her life for a reason, if he was to take them away the day after tomarrow he had his reason. Aerith would take advantage of today.*

"I's like that alot. I'd hate to pass up the one and only last chanse I might have to be with you guys."

For a while

Jason's glaring eyes follow Frankie until his motorcycle is out of sight. Glancing over to Wyatt and Aerith, he wipes his bloody lip with the back of his hand and slowly walks to them, limping as his bad knee had gotten twisted sometime in the brawl.

Wyatt can't help a slight grin. He'd missed his turn on the way to get ice cream...coincidence?

He wraps the bandana around Aerith's hand, tying a loose knot so her hand won't get rubbed until a bandage can be put on. "You don't have to thank anyone." Wyatt puts a gentle finger under her chin to tilt her face up so he can see her eyes. "I'm just glad you're okay."

Looking over to Jason, he nods to him. "Hey, you alright?"

"Yeah," Jason grumbles. "Just jerked my knee around." He wipes his lip again and looks to Aerith. "I suggest getting a restraining order on that guy before something happens, whether he's stupid or I kill him myself for hurting you."

Wyatt gives him a grin. "Say, where'd you two meet anyway?"

"Here." Jason thumbs to the restaurant. "Where else?"

Wyatt chuckles. "It's the hot spot in town." He glances back to Aerith, seeing that she's still shook up. "How about both of you coming to my place for a while? I got some stuff for your hand back there, and Jason, you can get some ice on that knee."

Jason shrugs. "I'm game."

Wyatt's eyes stay on Aerith. "Let Robin Hood take care of you tonight? It might be my only chance."

Ending

*Everyone on on the plane wakes and buckles up. Excitment raining again as they are ready to land. Would sleep come tonight at all? Or would the excitment keep them awake.*

*Take Jason punch to the face again Frankie can feel his jaw weaking and feeling alittle snap. As his arm is twisted around and he is slamed into the ground Frankie becomes dazzed not even fight back anymore. Being pushed to his bike he turns around looking at Jason and than Wyatt confustion ran in his eyes. His eyes land on Aerith seeing she is hurt. Taking a step forward his voice shows comaption.*

"Aerith I..."

*Looking back at Jason he can see him ready to pounch again. What had happend. What had he done. Turning around Frankie makes a sprint for his bike hoping on holding his one arm still and speads away into the night.*

*Aerith follows Wyatt once again. Leting Wyatt clean out her hand she cant help but wince. It felt like her hands were on fire. As Wyatt continues to clean her hands she loos up as Frankie says her name, than looks to Jason than back to Wyatt. In a shaky soft voice Aerith speaks.*

"Thank you...I asked God for help, and he sent you and Jason. Thank you. I..."

*Aerith goes quiet as the scenes play in her mind again. She had been roughed up befoe but not nearly this bad. She litterly had been scaired and still was. Frankie could be back again. What is no one was around or came to save her what would happen. Aerith shakes her head trying to shake the though. God would keep her face no matter what.*

"I think I have some stuff at my grandmas that can clean the cuts...out."

*Aerith really dident want to go home. What if her grandmother let Frankie in the house, what if...Aerith minds fills with so many possablitys she wasent use to feeling valnarble, and scaired. She dident like this feeling at all.*

Your own size

Scott chuckles at Katie's question. He thinks for a moment. "Yes," he answers with decision. Humor plays at the corner of his mouth, but before he can say more, the intercom crackles as the pilot's voice comes across.

"Rise and shine, folks. We're about ready to land. Make sure you're all in your seats with your seatbelts on as we prepare to descend. Thank you."

Scott reaches down to put his seatbelt back on. "Well...I guess we're almost there." He glances at his watch. "Eleven...not bad."


Jason receives Frankie's hard blows, and doubles over at the punch to the gut. Hearing the jeering words just drives his anger even higher. If he were fighting for himself, he might prefer to back off. He wasn't a hundred percent after his earlier episode, and he wasn't sure he could even handle what he'd set off to do.

But picturing teh way Frankie had been handling Aerith was enough to make Jason stay...stay and fight.

Glaring at Frankie, Jason catches his next fist and twists his arms to the side, immobilizing Frankie's arm for just long enough, giving Jason a chance to land a fist to the side of his adversary's face.

Spinning around, Jason hikes Frankie's arm up over his shoulder and drops down, hurling the man's body up and over himself to slam him back down to the ground. Still holding his arm, Jason's next blow comes from his foot, aimed directly at Frankie's stretched shoulder. "Maybe next time you'll pick on somebody your own size," he growls.

Yanking Frankie back to his feet, Jason twists him around and gives him a swift shove and knee to the lower back, sending him towards his motorcycle.


Wyatt doesn't hesitate to wrap his arms around Aerith, holding her close and rocking he gently. "Shh, shh....it's okay." He had no idea who this other guy was, but apparently Aerith knew him. "You're okay now...you're safe. He's not going to hurt you."

He turns just a little so Aerith can't see the fight, but so that he could keep an eye on Jason. His hand rubs Aerith's back, but as she winces, he looks down. Taking her hand in his, he sees where her palm has been scraped. "Mmm, that looks good," he teases. "Come on."

Wyatt guides her to the passenger side of his jeep and lets her go for just a moment to reach inside and pull out a clean bandana. Not having any water, he relents to wetting the corner of the soft cloth with his tongue. Taking Aerith's hand again, he lightly cleans away the dirt and small pieces of gravel that had come from the pavement. "We should get some disinfectant on that," he muses.

Fight

*Katie smiles back at Scott. She felt his comfort, she felt his warmth. Katie loved the way Scott made her feel. She loved the comfort he had to offer. Katie gives alittle nod as she leans in to give Scott a kiss.*

"Ya I'm ok, Just alittle warn out. I"ll be ok in a little bit."

*Katie beams at Scott stairing into his eyes. They dances with life, they twinkled with something new ever since Katie had show intrest in him back and she loved it.*

"Are you excited or nervouse more?"

*As Frankie receaves the shoulder to the side and thron to the ground with a thud his own instincs kicking in his eyes raging with anger. Bringing his own hand up connecting his knuckles with Jason's jaw. As Jason hit him again in the jaw Frankie can feeling blood filling his mouth. Spiting the blood at Jason to give him the distraction he needed bringing his legs up with great forceing sending Jason flying off him. Jumping up Frankie throws his own kick at Jason. His eyes still have the look of furry in them next sending his fist into Jason's stomach.*

" You should learn to mind your own busness kid."

*As Wyatt pulls Aerith up she slowly walks with him away from the scene not sure what was going on but knowing it was Wyatt and Jason were there. Aerith trys to stop herself from shaking as she stands by Wyatt's jeep. As she feels his hand on her face she gives alittle jump. She was still startled and shaken her mind playing tricks on her. Trying to stay strong now that everything was ok Aerith breaks down into Wyatt's arms burrying her face into his chest. Muffaling her sobs and her soft voice.*

"I was so scaired Wyatt. I dident know what was going to happen to me. He was just to powerful. The look in his eyes i never saw before. It was....differnt."

*Aerith winces in pain as she pushing her palms aganst Wyatt's chest still shaking slightly.*

No tolerance

Scott grins at Katie and shakes his head a little. "I needed to get myself awake anyway...we should be there soon."

He cocks his head as his free hand comes up to run his fingers over her own. Her eyes looked weary. "You okay?"


As Jason nears the parking lot entrance, he sees Aerith fall and hears her scream. Without even thinking, he sprints into a run. His peripheral vision catches sight of a vehicle and he skirts to the side just as Wyatt's jeeps speeds into the lot ahead of him.

Wyatt doesn't slow until he's close to the scene, braking hard to skid to a halt, and spinning to the side. He's out in an instant. As he takes his quick steps forward, he sees Jason again. Neither know exactly why the other is here, but it doesn't matter. Without even needing to communicate, they both take up different roles.

Jason's run gives him the momentum he needs, and without even stopping, he lowers his head and right shoulder to ram Frankie from the front and brings him down hard to the pavement. Straddling Frankie's body, Jason's knuckles slam into his jaw without mercy.

Seeing Frankie taken down, Wyatt automatically aims for Aerith. He kneels down and wraps an arm around her, pulling her to her feet so they can be a safe distance from the other two. He ushers her to his jeep where he finally turns her around to look at her face. Taking his hand, he smooths her hair away from her cheek, wiping her tears at the same time. Concern flickers in his eyes as he sees her fear. "Hey, it's okay now. You alright?"

Two Personalities

*As Katie cant feel Jason calm her own body calms as well. Giving Carson some instructions on stuff to do to help Jason. Katie can feel her own body starting to give in to being tired. As she goes to hang up the phone she hears stadic, and than soft voices again that sound like Jason and Carson. Katie listens alittle bit, she dident mean to be ease dropping but she was intrested in what Carson was saying not to mention he truly wanted to make sure Jason was ok.

As the line finally goes dead Katie shuts her own phone and let out a sigh. Siting down on the little ledge by the sink Katie thinks about what Carson said. He made sence, maybe Jason staying with Carson was good. Carson seemed smart. Staning again Katie splashes water on her face reviving herself but still left feeling drained. Leaving the bathroom Katie makes her way back to her seat. See Scott awake she smiles as she sits down. Now relizing she had a headack from when she smashed her head. Trying to forget about it so it will pass. Wraping her arms through Scotts she smiles up at him.*

"Hey you! I dident mean to wake you."

*Aerith pulls her arm away from Frankie taking a few steps back to her car. If she could get inside she could lock the door and give herself enough time to call someone.*

"Frankie, Please just leave me alone."

*Frankie takes a few steps twords Aerith his Crocky playful grin still on his face.*

"Come on Babe. I dont know why your acting like it. It dosent look like your little boyfriend is around anymore so you dont have to pretend."

*Aerith steps back again till she is up aganst her car reaching for the handle.*

"I'm not pretending anything. Just cuz my parents had me go out to dinner with you a few times dosent mean anything. I never had fun, or never really wanted to. I'm 15 years younger than you, Your bad news and I just dont plane like you."

*Frankie lets out a cold laugh as he slams his hand on Aeriths door to keep her from opening it. A almost wild, confused look in his eyes. As he brings his other hand to Aerith's face.*

"You know I wouldent ever hurt you. I just want you to give me a chanse, and love me."

*Aerith slaps Frankie's hand away.*

"Your hurting me by not leaving me alone. What dont you understand about I want nothing to do with you."

*As Aerith slaps Frankies hand away his eyes become cold, and hard like someone completely differnt than who was just finding it fun in irratating someone. He looked as if he turned into someone completerly differnt in front of Aerith. A look the struck fear into Aerith as she turns to run a scream forming in her throt.

Frankie grabs her from behind puting his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming. Wraping her other hand around her waist.*

"Stop screaming please...."

*Frankies voice was a soft crazy hiss sending chills though her. As Aerith feeling the flesh by her mouth she chomps down on it feeling blood knowing the damage she caused was done. As she is thron to the ground as her hands and knees get cut up she screams in pain.

As Frankie feels the blood after throwing Aerith a hiss comes from his mouth.*

"You little....."

* As Frankie whipes the blood from his He reaches out for Aerith again as she trys to to crawl away.*

"Just let me take you home...."

*The tears start to flow form her eyes as she whispers a prayer under her breath. "God...please...Help me." Trying her best she trys to squirm away kicking and whimpering, Frankies only blood on her lips making her gag and feel sick.*

Different

Still confused by this event, Carson lamely does as Katie tells him with the phone, and rocks back on his heels away from Jason to leave him alone. Katie's words to Jason intensify his bewilderment. What was it that Jason was going through? What kinds of memories could cause this kind of torment in a person? This was more than just a memory...it was more than a flashback. It really did appear to be a nightmare, but one Jason couldn't bring himself out of.

Jason's body shakes as a cold sweat forms. His eyes are scrunched tight, his fists balled so firmly that his knuckles turn white. He was being hunted down, hit, shoved in a corner. Images that hadn't risen before, present themselves now as new torment.

Suddenly a voice breaks through. A voice that's not a part of this horrid nightmare. It's soft and sweet...it's a voice Jason knows is safe...one that offers a haven.

"Everything is ok and you're ok J..."

He tries to pull himself from one world into the other. Reality seemed so far away...so far out of reach.

"You can fight this. I'm here to help you. It's ok J. It's ok."

Jason's eyes suddenly fly open and he gasps for breath. His pulse was racing and he felt weak all over. Catching sight of a figure near him, he flinches, drawing himself up further against the wall.

"Hey, hey, it's just me," Carson says quietly.

Jason tries to get his eyes to focus, and slowly, slowly things start to make sense again. Finally his muscles begin to relax. "Carson."

"Yeah."

Jason lets his head rest on the carpeted floor, his eyes closing again from exhaustion. "Katie..."

"Yeah, that's her." Carson puts the phone to his ear again, turning off the speaker. "He's coming out of it Katie. Anything I need to do?"

After receiving a few brief instructions, Carson sets the phone down. His mind elsewhere though, he forgets to close it, accidentally keeping the connection open.

Rising, he goes to the kitchen. Entering, he winces and cries out as his foot catches a piece of glass he'd missed. "Aw for crying out loud..." Hobbling to the counter, he leans on it while he lifts his foot to see the bottom of it, and gingerly pulls out the glass. Sighing, he goes for the refrigerator and retrieves what little orange juice there is left, to pour it in a cup and take it back to Jason.

Easing down next to him, Carson tries to help Jason sit up.

Jason does his best to sit, using the wall as his backrest, and finally getting his legs out in front of himself.

Carson looks at him with concern. "You alright?" He holds out the juice. "Katie said you might need this."

"Mm." Jason takes it wearily, managing a couple sips. With a sudden attack of stress like that, it wasn't surprising his sugar dropped. His pulse finally beginning to slow, Jason starts to come out of his fog. At least this time it wasn't taking him too awful long to start functioning again. "Thanks."

Carson studies him for a moment. "Katie called it a nightmare...what happened?"

Able to keep things under control for now, Jason figures it best to elaborate. He hadn't realized that Carson didn't know about these episodes. "You know my past...you admitted once that the Agency used it that time they kidnapped me."

"Ohh, that." Carson raises his eyebrows. "I knew you'd been abducted as a kid and that it bothered you a bit, but..."

"Didn't know it was this bad, eh?" Jason forces a tired shadow of a grin. "Yeah..."

Carson watches him, still a bit shocked. "So...what happens? I mean..."

"It all comes back." Jason looks down, not even trying to get up yet. "Just the bad stuff...usually the memories of when I was most scared. They just...take over. I can feel myself starting to slip...sometimes I can stop it, and sometimes I can't."

"And this time...you couldn't."

"I saw a guy who looked like Alex today...then I heard you break that glass and it was too much." Jason lets out a slow sigh. "I try to control it...I try not to let the memories rule me...and they don't affect me constantly like they did once. When I was in Texas, this was a daily occurrence for a little while." He shakes his head. "Katie knows all about that."

Carson furrows his brow. "How come she can pull you out?"

"I don't know. She just...always has been able to. I can get myself out of the flashback eventually..." He remembers his time in prison. "But it's a lot harder and it leaves me in pretty bad shape."

"You don't call this bad shape?"

A slight laugh comes out after Jason takes another sip of juice. "This is nothing compared to some of the other times."

"Wow."

Jason quirks an eyebrow. "Didn't know when the Agency was using my past that they were doing that good of a job, did you?"

"Guess not. This bothered you all your life?"

Jason shakes his head. "No...when I was a kid I blocked everything out. It wasn't until I was in Texas that it all came back. Something about it triggered the memories...then everything all started coming back and I couldn't handle it any more."

"And since then?"

"It was bad enough that I got help...I got a pretty good handle on myself and I'm not living in daily torment like I was...I don't have the nightmares every night anymore...usually just after an episode like this." Jason shrugs. "I can beat the memories if they're not thrown at me too fast, and I can work myself through them and the fear. It's just when I'm caught off guard like today. I should probably be able to control that by now too, but I guess my mind's just not strong enough."

Carson throws him an annoyed glance. "Man, with something like this, I'm impressed you can control it half the time, let alone most of the time."

"Yeah, well I wish it was all the time. I never know how bad it's going to be...sometimes it's more severe, other times it's just short and quick...other times I get nightmares for several nights afterward." Jason pauses. "At least now, I can start functioning pretty soon after an episode, so I guess it's better. I’m letting my past control me though."

"I don't think so," Carson argues. He didn't have a full understanding of everything, but he wasn't sure he agreed. "You're not letting it control you now. You said yourself that it's not a daily thing anymore. You said you got help...what did they say?"

"That I could overcome it. That I couldn't let the fear rule me. That if I could control it, eventually I'd be able to function without these flashbacks."

Carson quirks an eyebrow. "Did this helper ever see one of these episodes?"

Jason thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. "No..."

"Jase...these aren't just flashbacks."

"Well yeah they are," Jason argues. "I just about blew Austin's head off once because I thought he was Alex."

"Now that I would describe as a flashback," Carson agrees. "But this..." He shakes his head again. "This is different. Did you just describe these episodes as ‘flashbacks’ to whoever helped you?"

"I guess so." Jason shrugs. "I mean...I just told him I'd been having flashbacks and we talked about my nightmares at night too...we mostly talked about the memories and how I shouldn't fear them...how I shouldn't shut down and ignore them because it just made them worse, but how I needed to work through them, and so eventually the flashbacks would just become simple memories that didn't evoke fear."

Carson sits back, deep in thought. He wasn't best buddies with Jason, but he did care, and something just wasn't adding up here. "Well, they were right about the flashbacks...you can work through and out of those...when was the last time, though, that you didn't know where you were or who you were with, but you were still under control? Like when you almost took out Austin?"

"It's been a while I guess...I mean...that hasn't happened in a long time. It's just been times like this when I fall apart completely."

"Well, trust me when I say it's more than a flashback, Jason. Your mind's reeking havoc on you. If this was just a flashback, you probably would have come after me and seen me as Alex, not been thrown into a nightmare, winding up on the floor like that."

Jason furrows his brow. "So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying not to feel stupid for not being able to control it. I'd be willing to bet that after you got help, you haven't had a 'normal' flashback because you did get past that." He pauses. "I've seen guys with flashbacks, and what I just saw was very different. Your mind must just suddenly explode."

"That's what it feels like."

"I bet."

"So if it's not a flashback, what is it?"

Carson shrugs. "You might just call it a flashback because how else are you going to label it? But you've got a complex mind, Jason. Your subconscious does a lot you don't even realize. I'm no psychologist, but if I had to guess, I'd say your mind builds up all those memories and the pressure just increases. Finally, when something triggers it, it explodes. But instead of just fooling you into thinking you're seeing things your not, it does more, and hurls you into such a state that you can't even move."

Jason had never thought about it this way before...was Carson right? It did make sense...Adam had help him overcome a lot, and now that he thought about it, he really did no longer have a 'typical' flashback. So was this really something different? Connected, obviously, but perhaps it couldn't be handled the same way as what else he'd experienced. Perhaps it really was different. Perhaps he'd been viewing it incorrectly and therefore was made to feel stupid when he couldn't control it. "So...what can I do about it?"

Carson forces a dry laugh. "I wish I could help you out there. But quite honestly...if you're still having trouble after all this time, and after getting help...this might be something you're just going to have to deal with always."

"Unless I shut down."

"Yeah, and that’s always got you a long way, hasn’t it?" Carson rolls his eyes. The implication of the breakup with Katie was there.

"So now I just give up because there's no hope for me to control it?" Jason argues.

"I didn't say that." Carson rises to his feet. "You said you already can feel now when these things start to come on. Maybe there's a way you can head them off, I don’t know. All I'm trying to say is not to beat yourself up over it, because I'm not convinced it's something you can control completely."

“Oh, great.”

“Hey.” Carson nudges him with his foot. “Stop it. If you can’t keep the memories from taking over once in a while, at least don’t let these episodes take over your life. If they happen, they happen. Move on. Letting them get to you just defeats the purpose of even trying. At least you've got people around you to help you through them.”

Jason heaves a weary sigh. Why Carson was being so nice, he wasn't sure, but it did make sense. And...he was probably right. Jason didn't want to have to deal with this...he was tired of it. But maybe it really wasn't his own fault after all. He could think about the past now without shutting down. He could walk himself through the memories of his experience with Alex without the pain now. That was in itself, a great improvement. But perhaps there was simply something about the way his own mind worked, that collected information differently, in a way that he couldn't control. If that were the case, the only thing he could do was try to control what came after the explosion.

Finally finding enough energy, Jason makes it to his feet, just a little unsteadily, and finishes his juice. "Thanks."

"Yeah." Carson takes the cup and goes back to the kitchen. "Need anything, holler...just not too loudly."

Jason almost lets a slight laugh escape. Apparently Carson wasn't feeling quiet up to par yet. Shaking his head, Jason leans down slowly, picking up his phone, and automatically shutting it as he does, clueless that the minutes have added up, the line open all this time.

Turning back to his bedroom, he opts to take a shower and change clothes, now that he'd been drenched in sweat. But he didn't want to stay here...it was too quiet...even with Carson around. What he really wanted was some fresh air, and a walk sounded like just the thing, even if it was getting late.


Wyatt ambles out of his house, locking the door behind himself. It was late...it was almost dark. But he needed he'd suddenly had a craving for ice cream, and the store would still be open.

Jumping into his jeep, he starts it up, and heads into town. Listening to the radio, Wyatt's mind starts to wander, and he suddenly realizes he's missed his turn. Rolling his eyes at himself, he swings back around several different blocks, now taking himself down the same street as Mom and Pop's. Passing a pedestrian, Wyatt looks quickly into his mirrors. That had looked like Jason. Shrugging it off, he absentmindedly glances to the restaurant as he passes. Was that Aerith? And...who was...

Wyatt suddenly senses that all is not right. Had his mind played tricks on him, or was Aerith struggling with a man?

Putting on the brakes, Wyatt is forced to swing back around the block again, as another car is behind him. He speeds around his turns, coming back again, but this time, aiming for the parking lot.

Jason ambles down the sidewalk, unsure why he was headed downtown, but he hadn't had anywhere else he wanted to go. The evening air was as refreshing as he'd hoped it would be, despite the heaviness in his heart. His episode had done nothing for his depression, and he still felt like he was just spinning his wheels, not getting anywhere.

As a jeep passes him, he looks up, noting that it was Wyatt. He'd wave, but it was too late now. Instead, he lets his mind wander towards Mom and Pop's. As he nears, his eyes zero in on Frankie. Jason grits his teeth. What a jerk. He quickens his pace to a fast and deliberate walk, aiming for Aerith and Frankie.


Scott stretches as much as he can in the small space between plane seats, and stifles a yawn. It was getting late. They should be arriving soon. Blinking, he looks around, and realizes that Katie isn't beside him anymore. Glancing down the aisle, he figures he knows where she is, and settles back in again, deciding to stay awake for when she returned.

Dont let them

*As Katie listens to Carson she lets out a sigh trying to keep her own emotions undercontroll. How she wish she was there now to comfort Jason.*

"Ok...Its ok he is having a nightmare just differnt from the ones most people have. Just dont touch him ok. It will only make it worse not to mention it will make you alittle sore. I need you to put the phone on speaker phone so he can hear me please."

*Katie waits till she hears the beep of the speaker phone being turned on. Finally Katie speaks softly again.*

"J...its Katie. You need to calm down ok. Your at your apartment right now with Carson and I am on the phone. Your safe and no one is going to hurt you hear. Everything is ok and your ok J. Remember what Adam told you dont let your memories controlle you. You can fight this. I'm here to help you. Its ok J, its ok."

*Katie keeps her voice soft and aoothing, beckoning, calling Jason out of his darkness. Hoping he can see the light.*

won't let me

As Carson struggles with Jason, trying to avoid getting hit again, Jason's cell phone starts to ring. Not knowing what to do, he simply goes ahead and answers it, hoping that it might be someone who can help.

Hearing Katie's voice, he raises his eyebrows. "Katie! Jason's right here. I don't know what's wrong. He just collapsed but he won't let me help him up and it's like he's having an awful nightmare or something. It's bad and I don't know what's going on. I already got smacked good once."

Unwanted help

*Misty smiles as she talks to Carson. He was staying home too. Good they could have a whole day to themself. Least Misty wouldent be alone.*

"Ya. Rick tryed to convince me to stay but I told him there was no way. I made the mistake of tell him I slept in your bed lastnight and got spoiled, and he about freaked. Finally she was quiet long enough for me explain. Man i wish you could of seen his face. It was priceless."

*Misty thinks for a moment as she slowly makes her way back to the bed to sit down.*

"I dont know how much running I can do but if you dont mind walking real slow I'd love to go with you."

*Misty chats with Carson some more. Finally hanging up the phone. Before it gets to late Misty asks Wyatt for a ride home. Once there Misty feeds Romieo and Juliet than heads into her room there the 3 crawl into her and watch some tv before dozing off.*

*Nates heart cant help but race and jump for joy as he see Laura get excited. It was good to see her smile, and to see her eyes dance. It was like the stars twinkling at night and it made Nate happy.*

"I guess I better get home and get stuff packed for Maggie and I as well. 7:15 ok got it. I should be there on time as long as my sister dosent take ages in the bathroom."

*Nate playfuly rolls his eyes as he leans into give Laura a kiss.*

"Wemon!"

*Nate turns and heads for the door alitle sprin in his step. Once home and telling Maggie about going she becomes excited herself and start rushing around along side Nate packing everything up. Than loading the car.*


The laughter rings out as everything starts to board the plane. It was a happy sight indeed. Everyone with filled with excitment. Even thought who had a fear of flying felt a bit of excitment.

*Katie takes her seat next to Scott in the front of the plane elbowing him every now and than playfuly for more space. Only to finally just grab his arm and hug it.

Nate make sure Maggie is settled and buckled in before siting next to Laura still teasing her about how she got stuck coming in. As Nate sits down he hits his head on the compartment over head and gives a little yelp as he slumps down in his chair. Maggie cant help but let out a laught at her brother. Nate throws her a grin.*

"Oh sure laugh when I hurt myself in front of my girlfriend why dont you."

*Jamie sits next to Con almost clinging to his arm for dear life. She never was to fond of planes.But being next to Con even in something this big helped her feel alittle more safe.

The chatter on the plane was loud and noisy. Everyone talking between themself and to eachother. Yelling behind them or in front of them till finally it grew late and most everyone was sleeping.

Katie rested silently next to Scott her head on his shoulder. Her dreams were filled with excitment on being at the ranch and seeing everyone. Soon though Katie's dreams become dark, a horrable feeling coming over her. Much lilke the one that had happend early in the day but MUCH MUCH more savear now. Snaping out of her dream Katie jumps slaming her own head into the wall. For a moment Katie panics as she forgets where she is. Looking around it starts to slowly come back to her. Looking at Scott's sleeping form Katie fully remember whats going on though the feeling of panic still courses throug her blood. Standing Katie slowly and silently makes her way to the back of the plane entering the bathroom so she dosent wake anyone. Pulling out her phone Katie dials Jason's number. Hearing Carson's voice answer Katie panic increases.*

"Carson...its Katie! Where is Jason? Is he ok? Whats going on?"

*Aerith gives alittle wave to Mable and Herb as they pull out of the driveway. The sun had finished going down and the sky was now lit up with stars. Aerith had stayed all day and helped close tonight. Busness was pretty buys and they needed the help. Nothing alse was going on anyways. Aerith had also gone home on her lunch to check on her grandmother but dident stay to long she was still upset with her over Frankie. Geting into her car Aerith rolls the window down and inserts the key. As the car turns over the engin fails and Aerith trys again still geting nothing. Sighing she trys one more time but still nothing. Geting out of her car She pulls out her phone frustrated. As Aerith is about to dial a figure steps to her in a deep booming voice that startles her.*

"I told you,you could count on seeing me again."

*Frankie throws Aerith a grin.*

"For a moment Aerith gulps as she has a hand over her heart trying to get paulse to slow again.*

"Frankie what are you doing here?"

*Frankie looks at Aerith and leans aganst her car*

"I just happend to drive by and saw you having car troubles. Let me give you a ride home!"

*Aerith looks at Frankie and shakes her head starting to dial a number.*

"No thats ok I can have one of my friends come and get me."

*Frankie puts his hand over Aerith's cell phone and pesses the clear button giving a laugh.*

"Awww....come on."

*Frankie takes Aerith by the arm and pulls her tword his bike as she resists.*

"Dont be stuborn now, it will be fun like old times."

*Aerith feels a bit of panic creep inside of her. This is not the position she wnated to be in right now.*

Peace/Turmoil

“Nope, staying here.” Carson leans on his kitchen counter. He’d just been able to eat a little something for the first time all day, and his headache was finally starting to go away. He holds the phone to his ear, listening to Misty. “Figured they had enough people going, and besides that, I want my own bed tonight.”

Turning around, he sighs. “You going home tonight? Thought maybe I could convince you to get out and get some fresh air tomorrow if you’re feeling up to it.”


Laura grins at Nate, then gives his arm a playful slap. “Quit reading my mind.” She can’t contain her excitement though, and her eyes dance. “This is going to be fun.” Suddenly she stops, her eyes widening. “Oh my goodness, I have to go home now and pack, and make sure everything is okay there, and…” She spins around, grabbing her purse and keys. “Make it 7:15 to make sure we get to the airport in plenty of time.”


“Come on, babe.” Scott directs Domino with the leash, up to Wyatt’s porch, and he rings the doorbell.

Wyatt answers the screen door, grinning just a little. “Hey, pooch.”

Domino wags her stump of a tail, starting to wiggle with excitement.

Wyatt takes the leash from Scott before kneeling down to the dog. “You’re not going to pine away for daddy while he’s gone, are you?”

Scott chuckles and takes the bag off his shoulder. “Not if you give her her toys. I’ve got her dish and food in here too. She can go for hours alone in the house, so you can just leave her when you’re out and about.”

“No problem.” Wyatt rolls his eyes. “After having Trooper here once, this is going to be a piece of cake.”

Within minutes, Scott’s back on the road and heading back to his house where the TJY van would be picking him up.


The quiet corner of the tarmac is unusually busy as people gather near the private jet. Everyone is excited and ready to go as their bags are loaded. As eight o’clock nears, eyes glance around to see if everyone who is going is there.

Con squints in the setting sun, missing the one person he really wished would have come. But he hadn’t shown up.

Soon, they start climbing the stairs to board.

“Dibs on the seat next to Katie!” Scott hollers.

“Only if I get the one next to Jamie!” Con retorts.

“Help!” Laura lets out a laugh as her purse gets caught on the latch on the door and she needs help getting loose.

Ty is right behind her, so he lends a hand, receiving her thanks. He makes his way to the back where he sits alone until Mick comes to sit near him.

As the airplane starts to move, the excitement just grows, and the chatter starts all over again, everyone anticipating arriving in Texas. It would be fairly late, but they all knew that once they got there, sleep would be the farthest things from their minds.



Jason opens the apartment door quietly and slips inside, not knowing if Carson will be up or not. Seeing him in the kitchen, he just gives a slight nod, heading for his bedroom. It was just after eight o’clock. Most everyone else would be in the air by now.

Carson opens a cupboard to grab a glass for some water, but just as he’s pulling it out, it slips form his grasp. Plummeting to the tiled floor below, it hits hard and shatters with a loud crash.

Jason stops dead in his tracks, his head on his bedroom doorknob. That sound…that breaking glass… A memory comes shooting out of no where, and suddenly he hears Alex screaming a curse that reverberates through the house. Jason’s earlier encounter with a look-alike waves over him as if it had just happened minutes ago, and the fear returns so suddenly that his hands start to shake.

Taken completely off guard, Jason tries to fight it. He knows it’s from the earlier episode…he’d tried to get through that bout of memories…he’d avoided a flashback then…he had to now…he had to….

Carson grumbles a cuss word and grabs a nearby broom to sweep up the glass. Halfway done, he thinks he hears a strange noise in the hall. “Jason?” Receiving no response, he finishes his task, and aims for the hallway. Arriving, his eyes widen.

Jason curls up in a tight ball on the floor of the hallway, his body trembling in fear. He was in the house again. Alex was mad…very mad….everything had been Jason’s fault…he’d done everything wrong today. It was all wrong. Jason knew a beating was coming. He knew it was. He tried to run. He tried to hide. But everywhere he turned, the doors were locked, the corners exposed and bare, leaving him no place to hide.

He feels Alex’s grip on his shoulder, and he quakes under the grasp, the frustration, fear and hate building within him. Terror seizes him and he fights back.

Carson quickly kneels next to Jason, not knowing what’s wrong. “Jason…Jason can you hear me?” He places a hand on Jason’s shoulder.

Jason’s arm lashes out with force, the back of his hand smacking Carson in the side of his face, hard enough to make him fall back into the other wall. Carson’s eyes widen. “Jason!”

Slightly panicked, Carson tries again, this time, putting pressure on Jason’s arms so he can’t fight back. “Hey, hey, settle down, what’s wrong?”

Jason’s mind is in a fog, the only images are those of the past. Alex has a hold of him. He’s pinning him down, he’s ready to beat on him. Panic surges through him like an unstoppable locomotive, and he cries out, unable to shake the torment.

Go or Stay

*Katie squels with delight at Scott accepting. coming around the wall Katie gives Scott a big hug.*

"You'll have a blast everyone will I just know it. Thank yuo Scott for saying you will come with me. It going to be an honner to introduce you to my family. I better get ready...I'll see you later."

*Without even hesatating Katie gives Scott a big kiss than turns to leave making her way back to her desk. Her mind racing with excitment. It had almost been a year since she was home it would be nice and the fun they were going to have it was going to be a blast.*

*Jamie finishs reading her email a smile forming on her face. How fun it would be to go back to the ranch with joy this time and not the the sad feeling looming. When she had been there the first time it seemed like a place full of joy and happyness. It would be nice to go have fun this time around. Jamie wondered for a moment if Con got the email as well. As if someone was reading her mind Jamie's phone rings.*

"Hello...."

*Hearing Con's voice Jamie's smile grows. He did get the email and he did want to go.*

"I just got done reading it. I think Texas sounds like a wonderful idea. I'd love to go with you Con. As long as you can deal with my snooring on the plane."

*Jamie giggles and chats a bit more with Con on differnt things going on, and Texas about geting ready. Finally hanging up with Con Jamie finishs up her work before heading out for the night. Feeling Edd, and taking a shower Jamie packs a light bag before heading out.*

*Nate opens his email and reads the note from Scott. A trip to the ranch that sounded fun. He's been there once before but only on the outskirts. The ranch had seemed like a nice quiet comforting place. Nate thought for a moment about going. His sister would like to go and it would give Janet a break to spend time with Rick. Yes Nate would bring Maggie and Laura too. It Nate couldent see the light of one more day than at least he would have the memorie of Laura and his sisters smiling face to remember. Standing Nate catches Laura's eye and smiles. Walking over to her cubicle he cross his arms across his chest.*

"So...You, Maggie and Me going to Texas sounds like a great idea. How about I pick you up at 7:30?"

*Siting up in bed Misty looks around the room making sure Rick wasent around. He had already balled her out once and even more when she showed him the ducktape over where she was shot. Tonight she would be heading home she had already told Rick that. Sleeping in Carson's bed lastnight proved how much she missed her own. Going over to the computer Misty sits down to check her email. Reading Scott email Misty lets out a sigh. She probley wouldent end up going. She dident know anyone there outside TJY and it would just feel strange. Grabing the phone she dials Carson's number.*

"Hey there my Hot Aussie man. Are you gonna be going to Texas? I dont think I am. I would feel to strange."

Options

Scott looks up as Katie comes to him, and listens, his eyes widening slightly. The more she talks, the higher his eyebrows rise.

This was…interesting. He’d never seriously considered going to the ranch, even though it had been mentioned or perhaps joked about.

His first reaction was to decline. He didn’t belong in Texas…on a ranch…around all those people he didn’t know. Sure, he knew their profiles pretty well from scouring the Agency case, but he was really an outsider.

When he opens his mouth to respond though, Scott sees the life in Katie’s eyes. She wanted this so badly…it was making her happy just thinking about it. And she really did want him to go along. If he said no, he knew good and well that he would be disappointing her. Couldn’t he get out of his box for her?

Managing a crooked grin, he gives a little nod. “Alright. Nevada sunset…Texas sunset…they’re both pretty. So…I’ll go as long as I can find someone to take care of Domino…and I’ll make sure an email goes out right away.”


Subject: All aboard who’s going aboard
To: TJY Staff
From: Ireland’s Neighbor

You got it. Road trip! Or rather…air trip. All the way to Texas, and YOU’RE invited.

Here’s the scoop. Our own in-house Hero is the hero once again, brainstorming up a grand scheme for all of us to take advantage of our day off tomorrow. Okay, so it’s short notice, but come on…how can you pass it up? And here’s the great part…TJY’s providing the ride. Now…tell me you really don’t want to go…I dare you.

Where: The Airport
When: Tonight at 8:00

We’ll arrive in Texas later tonight, but early enough that no one can complain too awful much, and we’ll all have the entire day tomorrow. Then early the next morning it’s back here to TJY in time to prep and meat at the courthouse for our hearing.

So…how about it? No need to reply. Got questions, ask Katie. Just be sure if you want to go that you’re at the airport by eight at the latest – ‘cause once the plane leaves the ground, that’s it.


The sound from Jason’s computer catches his attention and he looks up, noting that he’d just received an email. Thankful for another distraction, he moves to read it. Opening the email, his eyes widen. Who else would be going to Texas? And did he want to go? He hadn’t expected this. He’d made no plans. It was pretty spur of the moment. But…shouldn’t he go? Even if he wasn’t feeling like it, shouldn’t he at least go, if only to see his mom? After the hearing, who knew what would happen? He hadn’t seen her in so long…and he knew no matter how awkward it was for him, she’d want to see him and would be disappointed if he didn’t go. But at the same time…he really wasn’t so keen on the idea of socializing in a group right now. Playing with the band the other night had almost been too much for him to handle…mingling with everyone else back at the ranch would be another shock to the system, and if there was one thing he didn’t want to do while there, it was break down.


Con sinks down in his computer chair and opens his email program, still running a towel through his wet hair after he’d showered. Not being at TJY anymore, he’d had to get used to actually checking his email from home, but had finally gotten into the habit, though it wasn’t often he corresponded with anybody.

Surprised to see an email from TJY, he immediately opens it.

Scanning the message, a smile forms. He really wanted to do something with Jamie tomorrow…but being able to go back to the ranch for a day was pretty appealing. He’d gotten to know the people there pretty well while he’d been there, and if everything was going to fall apart after the court hearing, it would be nice to see them all again. Not to mention, this was something Katie had obviously instigated, and Con surmised it was important to her.

Reaching to the side, he picks up his phone and dials Jamie. “Hey you…read your email yet? I was going to take you out tomorrow, but…what do you say to going to Texas? It would be nice if we were actually there at the same time for once.”


Wyatt leans back in his chair, reading Scott’s email. Thinking for a moment, he knows that he will opt to stay in Nevada. He and his dad weren’t all that close, especially since his dad was his boss, but tomorrow…they’d actually agreed to go out and do some morning fishing…something they hadn’t done in years. Wyatt wanted that time alone, and though he was sure many others would be going to Texas, it didn’t take much for him to decline. There would be more who would stay, he was sure, so he shouldn’t be viewed as a party pooper.

Sensing someone behind him, he turns to suddenly see Jason. “Oh, hi. What’s up?”

“I…got a favor to ask of you…that is…if you wouldn’t mind…”


Laura is just finishing up her work, getting ready to leave, when she checks her email one last time. Texas? She wondered if Con was going. It might be nice to meet everyone he’d spoken so highly of…everyone who anyone else had spoken so highly of. And to be in this circle of friends…no matter who went…it seemed the perfect time…the perfect thing to do on their last day before things would change.

But…she didn’t really want to pass up time with Nate either. Would he be going? If not, Laura was sure she would choose to stay here. Missing out on possibly the last time they had together wasn’t worth it.

Standing from her desk, Laura looks across the room to see if Nate is still here.


“It’s Reese.”

Carson sits up on the couch and listens more carefully to the phone call. Why was Reese calling? What had happened? “Yeah?”

“First of all, how are you feeling?”

“Like crap.”

“Good. You deserve it.”

Carson sighs. “Look, I…”

“No, you look,” Reese retorts sternly. “Anybody working under me cannot go gallivanting around and getting drunk when things take a bad turn. Not only is that behavior unacceptable, but it risks a breach in security when you’re saying things you can’t even remember. Are you understanding me?”

Carson hunches over to rest his elbows on his knees. He’d known this was coming, but hadn’t expected it to come in the form of a phone call. “Yeah…I understand you. Are you firing me?”

“No…I’m not. But don’t press your luck. Three strikes, and you may very well be out.”

“I’m trying, Reese…honest.”

Reese pauses for a moment, his tone softening. “That’s all I can ask for. Now…there’s an email flying around here today, and I wanted to make sure you weren’t left out. A bunch from here is going to fly to Texas tonight to spend a day at the RM ranch tomorrow as their vacation day before the court hearing. Everyone is invited.”

“Are you asking if I’m going?”

“I guess so. I’d like to know who all will be here and who will be gone so I can at least keep track of everyone.”

Carson thinks for a moment, then opts against it. He didn’t belong at the ranch…he really wasn’t in the mood for a trip in closer quarters with everyone else. No…he’d simply rather stay. “Nah…I’m just gonna stay here. I’ll…I’ll come in to work tomorrow if you want, to make up for today.”

“I won’t stop you from coming in, but I’m not asking you,” Reese responds. “But as long as I know you’re in town.”

“Yeah, I will be.”


Mick ambles down the hall in the lower level, glancing around and following the sounds of trash cans rattling. Finally he finds who he’s looking for. “Hey, Ty.”

Ty looks up from his work and smile. “Mick. What’s up?”

“Had a proposition for you.”

“Oh?”

“Ever been to Texas?”

Ty pauses his work. “Um…just passing through. Why?”

“A bunch from here is headed there tonight…kind of a bash before this whole court hearing, just to be sure we all see each other again if everything falls apart.” Mick shrugs. “You’re welcome to come along.”

“Oh…I don’t know.” Ty looks down. “I’m not real close to anyone here…except Wyatt I guess, but that’s just because I live with him.”

“So this might be a good opportunity for you then,” Mick prompts. “There’s plenty of room, and…well, Ty, I guess there’s a couple people back there that I’d like you to meet.”

Ty looks up again, confused. “Who?”

“Just some family and friends. What do you say?”

“You going?”

“Would I stay and miss the chance to see my fiancé?” Mick grins. “Of course I’m going.”

Ty thinks for another moment and finally shrugs. “Why not? I don’t have anything to lose.”

Get away!

*Aerith eyes follow Jason outside as he drives away. She was a bit confused by what just happend. Jason had seemed fine and than very upset. Not understanding and worrying for her friend she turns her head to Mable who just shakes her own. Leting out a sigh Aerith goes back to cleaning off the table.

The rest of her day goes pretty normal no more word yet from Frankie. Aerith couldent help but be alittle on edge now though. Everytime the door opened she snaped her head up and found herself feeling foolish when she relized it wasent him.

Katie goes back to her work still a bit on edge from what happend with Jason. Saying a quick silent prayer for his safty she resumes her work. Hearing the elavator open moments later Katie looks up and see Jason. Receving his wave and waving back Katie know he'll be ok now. Leting out a breath Katie is happy Jason made it back safly.*

*As the hours pass slowly before Katie knows its almost 2pm. After reading Carters email Katie sits back in her chair and thinks for a long moment. Taking her phone and dialing the number for the ranch Katie waits still she hears her Aunts voice.*

"Heya Rosetta. I have a question to ask ya....."

*A half hour pass and Katie hang up the phone a smile on her face. Though she never said it enough Katie loved her aunt so much. Standing Katie makes her way over to Scott cubicle.*

"Heya Scotty. So I had something to ask ya. I know we have plans for dinner and than to watche the sun set, but I was wondering if we could post pone that till tomarrow night than I can show you the sun set on a country farm."

*Knowing Scott was probley royly confused by now Katie dosent skip a beat in going into an explanation.*

"Well I know that tomarrow Carter is giving us a day off, and I would really like to spend time with you, but I would also like to see my aunt back home as well. So I called her up and asked if I could bring you, myself, and a bunch others from TJY out there. First she yelled at me for not calling her sooner, and next she yelled at me for even thinking I needed to ask. The ranch dosent have many people there this week so she said it would be perfect. I know we would all have a blast there. Its a wonderful place. So if you would do accopany me there I would like that. I want my aunt to know you.

I also kind of need a favor from you, if you say yes you will go. I was wondering if you could send something flashyer than an email out to all the staff of TJY including Con leting them know about this avent. Let them know they can bring any family members or friend they want to spend time with. With the permistion of Carter and Reese we will be taking the TJY Jet tonight stay a full day and leave early the next morning. Anyone who would like to go should meet us at the air field at 8pm."

*Katie cant help the look of excitment as her eyes twinkle. She hoped Scott would want to come along with her other friends. Passing up and opertunity at the ranch was crazy. Katie wanted to be able to shair a wonderful experance with the other if this was to be there last together.*

Day off

Jason's mind starts forming a blank as he begins trying to cope with what he just saw. Hearing his name at first, his sub conscious tricks him into thinking the one person who has always helped him is there.

Suddenly he realizes again where he is and just who is talking to him. He jumps as Aerith touches his arm, and he tries to shake off his shock. "Yeah, yeah...I'm fine...it's...it's nothing."

Hearing his phone ring, he goes for it quickly, trying to revert his mind. "Hello?" Hearing Katie's voice on the other end is like the sound of warm rain after a the thunder has just rumbled. He swallows hard and takes a deep breath, calming himself. "Yeah...I know....I just...got a surprise, that's all." He closes his eyes for a moment, rubbing his forehead. Despite all the times Katie has told him he's not a bother, he still feels badly any time he knows he's pulled her away from anything she was doing. "Thanks, Katie. I'm on my way back from Mom and Pop's. Just, um..." He doesn't want to fear what could happen, but has to remain practical. His mind has beat him before. "If I'm not there in fifteen minutes, don't panic, but send someone to look for me, alright?"

Ending the call, he takes another deep breath and turns to Aerith with apology. "I'm sorry, I..." He's not even sure what to say. His childhood trauma wasn't something he talked about openly. "Maybe I'll explain sometime, but I'm fine..." He musters up a smile. "Thanks for the chat."

Desperately trying to keep his mind occupied, he heads out the door at a fast pace, not even bothering to wave at Mabel and Herb. He had to get out of there and get to somewhere he felt safe before his subconscious decided to let go.

Filling his mind with thoughts of work, the upcoming hearing, Texas, or any other random thing he could think of, Jason heads to TJY. He makes it fine, parking and going inside. Though still shaking on the inside, he keeps his body language at a level not to alert anyone.

Aiming for his office, he glances down the aisle and sees Katie in her cubicle. He gives her a short wave, simply letting her know that he was there, and continues his route.

Getting to his office, Jason shuts the door behind himself, greeting Trooper with a pat to the head. Going around his desk, he sinks into his chair, putting his head down on his arms and trying with all his might to control his thoughts. He had to concentrate on something else...he had to...he couldn't let the memories come...not like this...they couldn't control him...he had to control them.

Trooper cocks his head and gives a whine, sensing Jason's strange behavior.


Afternoon Email
To: TJY Staff
From: Carter

In light of the court hearing that will be in two days, I am issuing a mandatory day off for all of the TJY staff. Tomorrow, please feel free to spend time with family or friends. As we know, the results of the court hearing may be very good or very bad. We all hope that we will be able to stay together as a team and continue working towards our ultimate goal of justice. However, due to the unknown results of the hearing, I wish to provide you all with this time to share with loved ones.
Thank you for being the team you have.

Carter


"Hey, Dean?" Con speaks loudly over the sound of the bulldozer behind him as he leans against a support beam to speak to the foreman.

Dean turns around taking his hard hat off for just a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow. "Yeah?"

"Mind if I switch days with Brandon, so I can have tomorrow off?"

Dean shrugs. "I don't care. Work it out with him. Got special plans?"

"Maybe." Con forces a grin, despite his reasoning for wanting a day off. In two days, things might never be the same again, and if there was one thing he'd want to do if he knew he'd be behind bars, it was spend one more day with Jamie. "Brandon already said he'd trade."

"Alright, that's fine. Just let Patty know for her books."

"You got it."

Ok?

*Aerith stops cleaning off Jason's booth when she heads his keys hit the floor. Tuning and looking at Jason Aerith can see a new look about him. Something happend, startled him. Puting the glass and plate back down Aerith goes over to Jason and puts a hand on his arm a bit of consern on her face.*

"J...are you ok?"

*Not receving an answer Aerith shakes his arm alittle bit.*

"Jason....Jason...are you ok?"

*As Katie sits in her cubicle stairing at he computer screen when suddanly she shoot up right. Something wasent right. Something was wrong. Feeling the feeling she had so many times before. It had been a while since she felt this. Almost a year since Jason had a nightmare in prison. Standing Katie makes her way to Jason's office not relizing he wasent there. Knocking on the door and entering looking around Katie see Trooper but not Jason. Exiting again she feels a wave of panic hit her. Calming herself Katie goes back to her desk and dials Jason's cell phone.*

"Jason, its Katie...its ok. Everything is ok. Your fine."

It's not him

Carson thinks for a moment, then gives a little nod. "I guess I'm feeling a little better..." He sighs. "I know, I know...yesterday didn't help one bit, it was just thinking things through that did I suppose...and I guess I've got you to thank for that."

He pulls himself up into a sitting position as Misty calls Wyatt and waits. As she talks about his shirt, he gives her a sly grin. "Or...you could keep it. You look awfully cute running around in my shirt." His grin widens and he throws her a wink. "Kinda gives the impression you're mine."


Jason listens as Aerith talks, and finishes most of his meal. Frankie Miller...why did that name sound familiar?

Letting the air settle for a moment, he cocks his head. "Sounds like that wasn't too much fun. I hate it when people try to run my life for the wrong reasons. I know it doesn't feel good."

He finishes off his orange juice and studies Aerith's face quietly. "I don't normally do this, but..." He grabs a napkin and fishes a pen out of his pocket. Jotting down his cell phone number, he pushes it towards her. He'd been so miserable lately, that he was surprising himself...but maybe being able to concentrate on somebody else for once was giving him an opportunity to focus on something different. "If he ever bothers you and you can't get away, don't hesitate to call me. Guys like him can mess up lives and you're too nice for me to want to see you messed up."

Standing up, Jason throws payment for the meal down on the table, along with a tip for Aerith. "Thanks." He gives her a little nod. "See you around."

As he turns, he suddenly looks up as a man enters the restaurant. He's middle-aged, not too tall, with dark hair and shifting eyes. Jason stops dead in his tracks, his blood running cold. Get a hold on yourself, Jason...it's not him and you know it. It's not Alex...it's the same man you saw in town once before...it's not him.

Jason's eyes remain locked on the man as he goes and sits in a corner table. The keys in Jason's hand suddenly slip from his fingers and clatter on the floor, breaking him from his stare. Startling himself, he looks down and it takes him just a moment to reach down and pick up the keys. You're fine...just leave, get on your bike and go back to work. He can feel his hands starting to shake, and grits his teeth, loathing the uncontrollable fear that had found its way back into his veins.