Rank

Carson's eyebrows rise as Katie comes into the kitchen, and he looks even more surprised when she starts to help. He wasn't going to complain though.

"Well yeah, that's fine..." He cocks his head as he stirs some sauce. Something seemed... off. Katie didn't usually just come to talk, least of all to him. And it was even stranger that she'd come to help out at the same time.

"Fire away. What's up?"


Scott slowly backs up a step away from the desk, his eyes widening slightly. Dani's jaw drops at Dalton's comment, having absolutely no idea what was going on. But seeing the desk jostling, she can't help a giggle, and covers her mouth.

Without time to move, Scott cries out as he's picked up once again, this time slung over the giant's shoulder. He gives a half-hearted whack to Dalton's back. "Put me down, ya big oaf!"

By now, Dani is trying to control her laughter, her eyes dancing with humor. She didn't want to poke fun, but knowing Dalton had been stuck under his desk, well... it was quite funny. Managing a little wave, she stifles another laugh. "Hi, Dalton. Got everything under control, I see."

"Put me down!" Scott wails, kicking a little. "Dalton Heathrow, that's an order! Don't make me pull rank on you!"

Too fat

The slight grin still on her face, Bree gives a nod to Gunner. "It was nice meeting you as well. Who knows, we might meet again on an unordinary day."

Looking down at her book again, Bree picks up her fork and spoon, ready to dig into her nonsundae.


Entering Mom and Pop's, Katie took note to how busy it was. It would be hard to talk to Carson being this busy, unless she went back into the kitchen.

Stepping up to the counter, Katie leans into Mabel, asking her a question as she gives a nod and smile. Moving around the counter. Katie heads into the back and next to Carson. Putting on some gloves and an apron, she starts to help him put things together.

Finally speaking, she gives a little sigh. "I wanted to talk to you and I know it was busy, so I thought maybe we could talk while I helped you."


Looking out a little from under the desk Dalton raises an eyebrow at Scott. Hearing Scott's comment his eyes widen just a little bit.

"Why you little.." Going to reach for Scott Dalton manages to turn his bottle a little and get wedged under the desk

Trying to give a pull Dalton lifts the desk up a little and than down again with bang.
His face held no smile but his voice was laced with humor. "When I get out of here Scott your gonna pay."

Continuing to struggle Dalton stops when he hears Dani's voice. His hear starts to race and his face turns beat red. Trying to shift again the desk once again goes up and than down with loud bang. "gah, ah Dani yes Hi....I am...caught I mean stuck. You seem too be to fat to be here." Dalton's eyes widen just a little."No no no I mean I am to big to be in here and you picked a bad time to come see me. Yes thats it."

Trying a little harder again a small crack sounds as Dalton pushes his weight on the side. Finally coming free with a pop Dalton puts one arm on top of the desk before the other pulling himself up and only the top of his head and eyes can be seen as he gives a wave to Dani.

Finally standing Dalton gives a smirk to Dani and holds up a finger. " Give me one second. Turning around to Scott Dalton takes a step forward grabbing Scott before he can run and throws him over his shoulder moving to the door and stepping out to the hall. "Trouble maker in the house be on the look out."

Stepping back in still holding Scott Dalton turns to Dani. "Hi!"

Wiring

A wry grin slowly spreads on Gunner's lips. "I guess freaking people out has always been my nature. I do like ice cream sometimes though."

Accepting Bree's hand, he gives it a strong shake. "Well, quirky Bree, I'm Brent Franklin... but friends call me Gunner."

The cell phone on his belt starts to vibrate, interrupting the brief greeting. Looking down at the number, Gunner purses his lips, not annoyed, but not happy either. "That would be my buddy Conrad, wondering where I am."

Glancing back to Bree, he gives a little nod. "I hope you enjoy your un-sundae. Tomorrow is Tilly's turn behind the counter, and she's real easy to freak out." He tosses her a wink. "Don't have too much fun."


"Gunner, where are you?" Con mutters into his phone, reaching Gunner's voicemail. "You were supposed to meet Jase and me on the corner of Madison and Park fifteen minutes ago. Call me back or show up."

Con hangs up and glances to the passenger seat where Jason is still just staring out the window as if not paying a bit of attention to anything. "Hotshot, if you're not up to this stakeout, you better say so now."

"I'm fine." Jason shrugs. "Just tired I guess."

Con sighs. "You want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"Well if you-" Con gets interrupted by Jason's phone ringing. "That better be Gunner."

It wasn't. Jason flips open his phone. "Hi. Yeah..." His conversation doesn't last too long, but by the look on his face, it wasn't a good one. Closing his phone again, he's quiet for several moments.

Con senses something is wrong, and his tone softens. "Everything alright?"

Jason shakes his head. "That was my mom. You know Clint and Wendy?"

"Yeah."

"They lost one of their babies."

"Oh." Con's shoulders drop a little. "That's too bad. You close to them?"

"Not really..." Jason shrugs, keeping his eyes busy roaming the street. "We're friends. Katie's pretty close to Wendy though... Mom said somebody was going to call her too." He couldn't imagine how Wendy or Clint must feel, torn between the sorrow of a loss, and the joy of still having one child. Why did everything have to hurt lately? He knew this would impact Katie too.

Though Con was saddened as well, he knew he needed to ask. "You need to pull out?"

The last thing Jason wanted right now was to be left to his own thoughts. He'd rather be on this case. "No. We've got a job to do."


Carson turns up the radio in the kitchen, his hands full today. Mabel was there for a little while and Aerith was working her tail off, but Dani wasn't supposed to come in until later. After the first good night in ages though, he was ready for the busy day. Tonight, Dani would close up for him, so he could go out with Misty, and with that in mind, he looked forward to time going quickly.


Scott stays under the desk, staring at the back as Dalton joins him. "Wha, huh?" He gives Dalton a sidelong glance while keeping a straight face. "Oh, I just wanted to see if you'd really fit under here." He reaches back and pulls the tiny camera out, studying it for a moment. "I put this here once when I thought a rat was getting into the garbage." It was now obvious that he was simply getting Dalton back for picking him up a few minutes earlier.

"Knock knock!" Dani pokes her head into the office, looking around, but seeing no one. "Dalton?"

Scott slithers back and pops up to see her. He hadn't interacted with Dani much, but knew who she was. "Oh, hey, Dani. Dalton is um... checking out some wiring."

Letter

Looking down at Gunner's side where his gun shows a little the woman seemed almost unfazed. Than glancing back up at Gunner the smile is still present in the woman's eyes though it was no longer on her lips.

"And you dont like ice cream but your here too when it would be cheaper. So I figure, we both think its more fun to freak someone out, than to simply buy something from a store."

Her eyes giving a twinkle a little before letting them fade to hide away that sparkle that was there as her face holds very little emotions again though she wasn't sad.

Holding out her hand to Gunner she offers a friendly handshake.

"Bree Connor, its always nice to meet someone who shares the same quirks."

Turning and taking the papers along with the bills from Rick Katie gives a dull nod.

"I will, thanks Rick for everything."

Turning to Jeff Katie gives a little smile and a nod before she heads out of the infermary and head back twords Reese's office handing the paper work to Susanne and heading out again. Stopping by her own desk Katie grabs a peace of paper and a pen writing a short letter.

Whats go great about normal? You asked me that once and I said nothing it was because of you Jason and your love for me. Our connection it was great, and It was the love for you that made un-normal good. Now though the answer is different, Normal is something I need to be able to heal and thats why I have to leave. I have to find my peace and who I am again. Don't hate me for doing this, I love you more than you can ever know. -Katie

PS. Tonight at 6 take one of the pills Rick gave you. Once you do, you can be normal again!

Taking the paper in hand Katie stands once more and heads to Jason's office. She would of said goodbye to him in person but he failed to show up to work. Maybe this was better anywas.

Entering the room Katie glances around. The room smelled like Jason and it was a smell that Katie loved, she had always loved it. Walking slowly over to one of Jason's shelfs Katie looks at the number of pictures that lined the shelfs. There were pictues of her and Jason, the smile on there faces that no longer eather of the wore. It seemed like such a long time ago. Katie wanted to find that smile again, that person who was taped in those pictures, and she wanted Jason to find his too.

Going back to Jason's desk Kaite lays the paper down with a small orange bottle a tear rolled from Katie's face. She new Jason would know what to do without her even saying anything. It was hard, and it hurt, the memories that haunter her were like non other but it was something for both of them she had to do. For herself to heal, and for Jason to deal.

Taking one of the rings from her finger Katie lays it down with the paper. A memory for Jason so he wouldn't forget her. Letting out another quivered sigh Katie leaves the office and heads out of TJY. She had one more place she needed to stop, she wanted to see Carson before she headed back to the house to pack.

Hearing the tone in Scott's voice Dalton is next to him with in seconds. Looking under the desk it was dark and one could hardly see. Garbing a flash light Dalton bends down again.

"Here, watch out let my have a closer look."

Moving under the desk to take a closer look Dalton shines the light on a small black box.

"It looks like a camera or something, but why would it be here?"

Grocery store

Scott lets out a little wail, completely helpless against Dalton. With his feet off the ground though, he starts to laugh, giving the giant's arm a shove as he's set down again. Looking up at Dalton, he smirks. "Yeah, I missed you too."

Receiving the order, he glances over to the desk and sidles in behind it, sinking down in his chair. "Gladly." Looking at the computers a moment, he clicks a couple keys, then ducks his head to look under the desk. "Hey.... where did that come from..." Confusion fills his tone as his voice wavers. "Dalton? You better come... come looks at this... it's under here... near the back... ow!"


Jeff glances to Katie, letting a smile surface as he takes her hand, giving it a loving shake. "Just do me one favor, eh? Tell your aunt not to worry about me." He gives her a wink. "And take care of yourself, okay?" He knew why she was leaving... he didn't have to ask. He wanted to help, but he knew that there really wasn't anything he could do.

Rick comes up behind Katie, handing her the papers back, along with a bottle of pills. His face seemed to be one of disappointment. "Here... just make sure Jase knows and... and be careful." He rests a hand on her shoulder. "If you need anything, anything at all, call me, especially if you have trouble with the meds."


Seeing the gum, Gunner shakes his head, his eyes giving off an amused glint. "Got my own, thanks. If you're looking to curb your appetite though, chewing on napkins sometimes helps. More filling than chewing gum."

"Hey!"

He twists around to see the counter where the waitress is holding up his half-finished float. He waves her off to tell her he was finished before turning back around, his shirt moving up a little on his hip to reveal his sidearm.

Folding his arms, he looks back to the blonde. "You don't want the ice cream, but you come here. You realize it wold be cheaper to get your own strawberries, chocolate and whipped cream from the grocery store?"

Gum

Looking up at the man who had now joined in on the conversation the blond than looks to the waitress again.

"See more than one person knows about this, that measn this is a real thing and by the way he is flashing that thing around I think he means business now I would do what he says."

The woman's face still did not movie as she looked to Gunner and rolled her eyes at his comment about people these days as if agreeing. Watching the waitress leave the woman looks to Gunner again as her lips slowly turn into a grin that she seemed to be amused.

"That was smart thinking, I was starting to lose hope that anyone else new what I was talking about."

Reaching into her back the Blond pulls out a pack of cinnamon gum. Taking a stick the woman pops a stick in her mouth before looking up at Gunner and holding the pack to him.

"Would you like a peace? I figure I better chew on something so I dont eat through the table since it might take that waitress a little while to bring me my non sundae sundae."

Heading out of Reese office Katie had the paper work she needed in hand. The next stop she would make would be the infirmary.

Giving a soft knock on the door Katie enters looking around. Seeing Misty at her desk, Rick at his and Jeff over on the bed. Making her way over to Rick first Katie sets the papers down on his desk.

"Rick, can...you fill these out for my reason for sick time, and leave of absence please and thank you."

Katie is quiet for a moment as she taps her fingers on Rick's desk her hand shaking just a little form everything she had been going through her nearves had been shot.

"I also need those two bottles of pills, for Jason and me."

Turning from Rick Katie would pick up the pills with the paper work once Rick had it filled out. Going over to her uncle Katie lays her hand on his arm knowing he was probably a little out of it from the pain meds.

"Hey Uncle Jeff."

Her Uncle had always been special to her, she wasnt sure why, maybe she felt like he understood her the most.

"I just want to let let you know I would be going home for a little while. I need to ya know? I just need to find myself again. But I didnt want to leave not telling you before your important to me and I didnt want you to worry to much."

Sapphire gives a small nod to her brother. She would let him know when she was ready to go and see if he still wanted to go or not. She only hoped if he did go he would have a great time as well as Gage.

Looking up from his desk as the voice sounds Dalton gets a big smile that cross his face. Standing Dalton goes to Scott and wraps his arms around him lifting him up off the ground.

"There is always room for you Buddy."

Finally putting Scott down Dalton takes a few staps back trying to keep a straght face.

"Glad you back, its been lonly and everyones computer keeps breaking at once and I cant get any peace. Now...get to work."

Dalton turns trying to hit his smile.

3560

Reese nods slowly, understanding Katie's request. "You don't have to worry about him."

Seeing Katie walk away, he sighs deeply and turns in his chair to stare at the wall. The little high window didn't serve much for light today... not when the inside felt so dark.


"Um..." Scott doesn't really have plans for the day. He wanted to try and get used to being at work again, but he already wasn't so sure he could withstand a whole day here. "I think I might be able to handle that. Um... just grab me later or something and we'll go from there."

Making his way past the rest of the cubicles, he turns down the hallway, heading towards his office. On the way, he's almost run into by Gage, who had his eyes glued to the floor. Both men stagger back for a moment, trying to excuse themselves.

But as Gage moves on, Scott has to stop. He shakes his head as data flashes in front of him. It almost hurt. But in an instant, he knew just about all there was to know about Gage. Spinning around, Scott stares at the now-empty hall. What had just happened? A bit shook up, he slows down until getting to the office, trying to ignore the strange little episode.

Pausing in the doorway, he knocks to get Dalton's attention. "Got room for me?"


"Katie go to work today?" Jason speaks as he looks out the window of Con's car, heading with him across town.

"Don't know." Con keeps his eyes on the road. "Why don't you ask her?"

Jason shrugs. "Things aren't so hot right now. I don't want to bother her if she's sleeping late or something."


The waitress stares down at the other woman, pen and pad hovering in her hands. Chewing her gum slowly, she blinks at the request. "A sundae... without the sundae... I..." She shakes her head, not even knowing how to respond.

Having heard the short exchange, Gunner turns slightly in his seat, looking half over his shoulder. The scene was amusing. Too bored to know better, he slides off the stool to swagger over to the table. "You're having trouble today, aren't you?" he asks the waitress.

She shoots him something as close to a glare as she dares. "For someone who doesn't like ice cream, you sure stick around a long time."

"I'm just defending a fellow customer," he explains flatly. "She asked for a sundae without a sundae. Now if you can't give her that, then maybe she ought to take her business down the street to that other ice cream place that I believe is having a sale on their no-sundae sundaes."

The waitress has had enough, and sets her hands on her hips, still chewing her gum. "Alright, smarty. Why don't you tell me how to make a sundae without a sundae?"

Gunner rolls his eyes and looks down at the blonde as if exasperated. "Don't they teach these people anything anymore?" He turns back to the waitress. "Leave the ice cream off. Hello. Now look, I'm going to have to call you in on a three-five-sixty if you don't cooperate." He pulls on the chain around his neck, bringing out his Elite badge from under his loose t-shirt.

The waitress throws her hands up in the air, spinning around and stalking to the kitchen, mumbling to herself the whole way.

"And make sure you bring a spoon and a fork!" he calls after her. "Strawberries are hard to get with the spoons!" Once she's out of sight, Gunner turns back around, his lips curling slightly. "People these days. They can't seem to appreciate the simplicity of strawberries, chocolate and whipped cream. They gotta go ruin it with ice cream."

Minus Sunday

It was good to see her brother standing there again. She had almost lost him, than couldnt have contact with him it sure did open Sapphire's eyes to wanting to spend more time with those who are important.

"Yeah, I think I would like that as long as they are good ones and I get some with us together."

Sapphire gives a smile to Scott as an idea hits her. She new it was Scott's first day back but maybe he would have a little time.

"I know you might be busy but, I am taking Gage to the fair and maybe you would like to bring someone and come with us. You can bring your camra too. It can be like back in the bad."

Entering the small ice cream shop a medium high woman, with short blond hair enters. Her honey color eyes holding very little emotion at the surface, but beneath were smile. No smile was on her face as she found a table to see.

Waiting for the waitress to come back over the woman finally looks up at her. The woman's face held very little emotion as she spoke.

"Yes I'd like an ice cream sunday minus the sunday please."

Not bating an eye the woman looks down at the book she held as if what she had said was normal and people asked for it every day.

Giving just a small smile Katie gives a small nod. She was thankful for Reese being understanding, and still letting her job here for her when she came back.

"Thank you Reese. I'll probley be leaving tonight. Once I leave here I have some things I need to do but than I will fill out the paper work."

Turning just a little Katie looks out the window as a small rain started to fall. The smile she had held in then for a moment was now gone as her eyes were grey again. Maybe throughts ran through her mind as to what was to come.

"Keep an eye on Jason for me while I am gone ok?"

Katie looks back to Reese there was a sadness that was attached to her request from him. One she new he would understand. Once she was gone she wouldnt be able to feel Jason anymore and she wouldnt be able to tell if Jason would be ok. But it would make her feel better if someone she trusted looked over him.

Come back to us

Scott returns Sapphire's hug and manages to smile at her as she pulls away. "I'm doing alright." He gives a little shrug to show that there were still plenty of things he was working through, but he was here. His eyes were tired... his frame still thin. But he was looking a little healthier than a couple months ago, and he seemed to have gained at least a little more peace.

He had talked with Hope a long time last night about how he'd been during his house arrest... the things he'd thought of... how Gunner had helped him... and how he wanted to started again. He wanted to find strength again and he knew it wouldn't come overnight but... he was finally ready.

"I'm, um... trying to rebuild some of my photo albums since I don't have all of them anymore," he mentions to his sister. "Thought maybe sometime I could shoot some new pictures of you... if you'd let me."


Reese sits quietly, listening to Katie speak. He doesn't seem to have known this was coming, yet he doesn't seem surprised either. Slowly, he nods. He could be rough on his agents... he could throw orders around like the best of them, and push his agents to their limits. But in the end, he cared about everyone here like his family, and there were even a special few who had somehow made it to the softer spots in his heart.

"Okay." He calmly gives his approval. "And I hope you will take advantage of using some of your sick leave for this." A glint in his eyes reveals that he's allowing her to stretch the rules for this. "I don't remember many times where you've been away that it hasn't been connected to an Elite incident, and seeing as though you were out of commission for quite a while a couple times... I think you'll find you have more sick leave than you think."

A gentle smile reveals that he cares. "Come back to us, Katie. We'll be waiting for you."


"Jason!"

Jason groans and pulls his pillow over his head. He didn't know why his friend was here, but he didn't care right now. "Go away," he mumbles.

"Not on your life. Come on, get up."

Jason only growls.

"Alright. You asked for it." Con comes all the way into Jason's bedroom and grabs a hold of the bed's mattress. It takes little effort for him to lift it up and dump Jason onto the floor.

"Conrad!" Jason gets himself untangled from his bedsheets and glares up at him. "What is your problem?!"

"Me?" Con looks innocent. "You're the one that's sleeping the day away. I came to tell you to get your hind end in to work instead of feeling sorry for yourself all day."

"Maybe I'm sick."

"Sick in the head." Con rips the sheet away from him. "Good thing I came too. Trooper had to go out so bad he was just about ready to go through a window." He sets his hands on his hips and waits, but Jason doesn't move. "Look, it's no secret what's been happening the last few days. I may be half deaf, but I do still hear things. And the last thing you need is to mope around alone. So come on. You and I need to go check out a club down on Fresno Ave and see if someone Brown's been tracking is there. Reese wants us on it."


Gunner spins his rootbeer float around on the counter of the ice cream shop, his eyes constantly bouncing around the room, back to his desert, to the door, then around once again. One leg bounces without him realizing it.

"Can I get you anything else?" a waitress inquires sweetly. "Up for a sundae after that?"

Gunner's eyes pause to rest on her own. "I don't like ice cream."

The young woman raises her eyebrows. "You're... in an ice cream shop... eating a float."

Gunner remains expressionless, his voice monotone. "For the rootbeer."

The waitress eyes him for a moment before turning around and giving one of her other waitress friends a look that said she thought this guy was a few french fries short of a happy meal.

Only when she's turned does the corner of Gunner's mouth twitch. He takes another sip of his float and looks down to spy a newspaper on the counter. Pulling it towards himself, he figures it might occupy his mind for a while. If he was going to be a fish out of water, he might as well try to grow legs like everyone else around here. Unfortunately, he'd never gotten the hang of fitting in... not that he could remember anyway.

Request

Typing away at her computer Sapphire works diligently. She wanted to try and get her work done early today. There was a fair in town and last night she had promised to bring Gage. They were going to need all the time they could get with showing him different things before the fire works that night.

Looking up at her brothers voice Sapphire gives a smile as she stands and pulls her brother into a strong embrace. It was good to see him again even if after the last few years that hadnt been close. Sapphire had missed seeing him just the same.

"Oh Scott, its so good to see you again."

Pulling away Sapphire takes a few steps back to look at her little brother. He looked like he was doing alot better on the outside she only hoped the inside matched.

"How are you feeling?"

Entering TJY Katie keeps her head down not really looking anyone in the eyes. Her head had been killing her this morning, and nothing seemed to bright. She just wanted to get what she had come for done, and put things into motion. For her sake....for Jason's sake.

Entering the tiny office Katie gives a small wave to Susanne point to the office. Receiving a nod that Reese was in his office Katie knocks and than enters.

"Morning Reese."

Making her way to the chair that was across from Reese desk Katie sits down drawing silent for a long moment as she looks down at her hands. She new what she wanted to do it just seemed so hard to do it. But finally looking up though Katie's eyes lacked much they also held a bit of emotion.

"I came because I wanted to request some time off. I know you need me around here but...I cant be here right now. For the last feel weeks I have been trying to convince myself and everyone else I am ok, but deep inside I am not ok. I'm broken, damaged..and I need time to heal."

Looking around the room for a moment Katie's eyes just rome the room as she trys to contain what little bit of dignaty she had and not break down in front of Reese.

"I need to find who I am again and I cant do that here. I was thinking about going home for a little while, back to Texas. I'll be back I'm just not sure when. So if you could grant me that time off that would be great."

When she was ready Katie new she would like to come back to TJY though she wouldn't ask Reese to hold her job for her because she new that was a lot to ask seeing as she didnt even know what she would be back. She only hoped that in time there would always be a place for her here.

Hey

Scott slowly enters TJY, letting his eyes adjust to the inside. It was early yet. He'd had a late evening with Hope at the lake, having just talked for the longest time before finally getting back home... but even that couldn't keep him away from an early start this morning. He'd been hesitant to come... feeling almost that he wanted a day just to adjust again. But... no, he needed to come.

Only a few people were here yet. He knew Reese was in the back. He'd seen Rick and Misty's vehicles. As he wanders down the row between cubicles, he hears the clicking of computer keys and a small smile surfaces. Maybe they still did think alike in some ways.

He stops and leans quietly on the cubicle wall. "Hey, Sis."


Jason hits his alarm for the third time, sinking his head back down into his pillow. Ever since yesterday, he'd had a headache, and it was stuck with him, even this morning. It was late... and getting later. But Reese would just have to wait.

Trooper groans and nudges his arm, but Jason just rolls out of the way, ignoring his dog for now.

Simple Time

Hope gives a nod to Scott seeing the worry in his eyes. She new this would be hard and she hated knowing that Scott thought this was his fault. Turning a little more Hope looks at Scott with senserity in her eyes.

"I know I didn't do anything wrong. Its all been a miss understanding and it will be straitend out. Please dont worry Scott because there is nothing to worry about."

Hope ment it, and even if she did lose her licence she got to know Scott out of that, and somethings are more important.

"Now about those subs. I'm starving..."

Taking Scott's hand Hope gives it a small kiss, as a smile spreads on her lips.

Just letting Jason's emotions flow Katie runs her hands gentily through his hair. She could feel his termoil and new how upset he was. She felt badly for him and wish there was something more she could do, but right now there wasn't.

One day you will get your wish Jason...one day soon! Its not always your fault.

Not really wanting much of a reply Katie starts to hum a soft tune trying to sooth herself and Jason as she filtered both there emotions. Her mind went from step to step on what to do next. She needed to talk with Reese and explain to him she needed some time off.

Looking down at Jason Katie's heart aches for so many differnt reasons that they seemed to mush into one. Katie just wished they could go back to a simpler time.

Inner storm

Scott’s foot automatically lets up a little on the accelerator as he listens to Hope. They were already close to the sub shop he’d been thinking about anyway, so he pulls up to the curb and kills the engine.

Turning his head, he studies Hope for a moment. Though he’d felt alone and shoved in a corner for almost two months, gunner had taught him a lot… and one thing he’d learned was listening for the way someone spoke… and there was something in Hope’s voice that said there was more to this than just some misunderstanding with a no-name client.

Scott swallows hard, and fidgets with the car keys. “It’s me, isn’t it…” The embarrassment had already seeped into his tone. “But… but why? Or how? I mean… you haven’t done anything wrong…”


Jason manages to pick himself partway up off the floor, but he sinks down again, this time with his head in Katie’s lap. Picking at the orange, he finally eats a small slice or two, waiting for it to take effect.

It’s not going to work out… not until something breaks. Ever sine the beginning, it’s just been… waiting to happen. Everybody winds up hurt… I’m always the one instigating the problems. If I could just learn to… to… I don’t know.

His eyes are closed and though he doesn’t want to rely on their connection, with his body so weak, the emotions take over, flowing steadily to Katie, soothing his inner storm.

Orange

Giving a laugh at Domino the smile continues to stay on Hope's face. As she glances at Scott and than back to Domino before looking out the window.

Watching the scenes pass by Hope was excited about he lunch with Scott. Continuing to watch things pass by Hope hears Scott's question to turn and look at him giving a smile.

"I've been pretty good. I have a court date on Friday."

Hope hated to have to tell Scott about what was going on but she needed to. He was part of this to and he had a right now know. Not to mention Hope never made a habbit of lieing to people.

"...There has been a mix up with some things and I am being charged with inapropreat conduct with a pashent. But I have Angelica as my lawer and I know this will get straightened out and things will be fine."

Handing Jason the orange Katie lets out a sigh. As she goes to sit down on the ground next to him. Picking at a string at the bottom of her pants Katie looks up again.

"You didn't mess anything up Jason. Its going to work out, No matter what It will. Eat this you need it."

Katie new she would be going, She would take the medicen and so would Jason. Though it would hurt her...she would do it for Jason its what he wanted and though she didnt like it she would learn to some how deal.

Ham

Watching Katie walk away, Rick’s shoulders drop. From the beginning, he’d always wished he could fix this thing, and he still wished it now. He didn’t know what the key was, or what would ever solve it. If two people really weren’t meant to be together, how would they deal with this? Katie’s request for the antidote hits Rick hard. He knew that was an option she loathed. Yet she was willing to take it, if it would do any good. Was it really a good sacrifice for her to make? Who was he to judge?

Sighing, Rick shakes his head and goes to the cabinet to retrieve the bottle of pills he’d taken from Katie the day before. “Misty, how come things like this have to happen?” He didn’t really think he’d get an answer… he didn’t think there was one. He’d been asking the question of God for years and still didn’t know.


Jason has broken out into a cold sweat and is shivering in his still-wet clothes when he feels Katie nearing him. He hated it when she saw him like this. In the beginning, he’d been embarrassed. He was beyond that now… now he just hated it, period. He was supposed to be the strong one… but he was the one that was constantly taken down and beat up by these stupid emotions.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs. “I just keep… messing things up, don’t I?”


Domino wiggles all over and gives a little woof as Hope gets in the car. She isn’t satisfied with just a scratch on the head, and crawls into Hope’s lap, getting a leg tangled in her purse strap. Tumbling forward, she plows into Hope’s lap head-first, somehow managing to fumble and turn around then sit up. Shaking her head, she lays her ears back and stares up at Hope with a look anyone would swear was sheepish. Giving Hope’s chin a lick, she turns around again to stare out the windshield, quite ready to go.

Scott rolls his eyes at his dog and starts the engine again, pulling away from the curb. “You ham,” he chides teasingly.

Driving down the road, Scott searches for a good place to get their food. He felt a little awkward with Hope all of a sudden, and tried not to let it show. “So, um… you know all about what’s been going on with me… so… what about you? How have you been?”

For me

Feeling the warmth from Rick Katie leans into it. The warmth the comfort, maybe thats all she really wanted.

"I just...dont know how to feel anymore. I need to find how I am again because I feel so lost, and I feel alone, and I dont know whats right or wrong anymore. I hope I make it through this...I just it hurts alot."

Sliding off the ledge of the windowsill Katie takes a few stops till she stops. Feeling Jason's emotions she gives a little cry as the tears fall from her eyes. Was is from the hard blast of emotions, or her own emotions she felt that made her cry.

Finally as the pain subsides Katie looks to Rick again her eyes slightly dull.

"I'm going to need able bottle of that antidote you mead up for when I leave. I dont know how long I will be gone."

Letting out another quiver of a sigh Katie's shoulders drops. She could now start feeling his suger drop.

"Take care of him for me while I am gone ok? because I dont know if he will take care of himself without me!"

Letting out another sigh Katie hangs her head just a little as she exits the infermary and to the breakroom. Getting an orange from the fridge Katie takes it and aim for the rec room.

Finishing up in the bathroom Hope gives herself a once over. She had jeans on with a little green flower on them to match her green top. Her hair was tied back nicly. A smile on her face she goes to the living room to look out the window. Seeing Scott's car parked out there Hope grabs her keys and heads out the door locking it.

Getting into Scott's car she gives a smile.

"I was worry you weren't going to come."

Looking down next to Scott seeing Domino Hope smiles and scratches her head.

"I missed you too little lady."

Waiting

Rick watches Katie for a moment, deeply saddened by the state this thing was in. He knew that both Katie and Jason had reacted differently since the beginning. Neither was right, neither was wrong. But with different goals and ideas about their connection, things like this would just keep happening.

Setting down his tools, Rick approaches Katie quietly, slipping an arm around her. He wasn't sure he'd ever done that before, but it felt like the right thing to do.

"It'll be okay," he soothes. "And you'll be okay too. If you need to go home then... then that's what you should do. You and Jason are... so different. But you have so much in common too. This will pass. I promise it will and... and you'll make it through everything you're dealing with now too."


Jason stalks downstairs, opening the rec room door with a bang. Pain shoots through his skull and he sinks to the floor, his legs giving out on him. With a little cry, he lets the negative emotions out more forcefully than intended. One of the lightbulbs above him shatters, spraying fragments of glass all over the place.

Wincing, he stays on the floor, feeling as though he were in the middle of a tornado, except it wasn't wind - it was raw emotions coming out... emotions he'd been holding back, harboring so that Katie wouldn't have to deal with them... so that she wouldn't question his intentions or misinterpret what he was feeling.

Tears stream down his face until he's curled up into a ball on the floor, tortured by something he himself had created. Tortured by the upheaval of emotions and the knowledge that things had evolved to a new level. He could no longer filter out his emotions and save them to let out later. It had gotten worse, this... thing.

Finally, slowly, the rampant emotions begin to fade. Jason's whole body feels numb and weak as he just lies on the floor. He breaks out in a cold sweat and starts to shiver, his bloodsugar at a rapid nosedive. But he just lies still, closing his eyes as if hoping when he opened them again, the nightmare would be gone.


Scott pulls up in front of Hope's house, not knowing if he should honk, park and go to the door, or just wait. He settles on just waiting, and reaches over to scratch Domino on the head. He'd chosen jeans and tennis shoes and a loose tee. They were going to the lake, not some fancy restaurant.

Home

Watching Jason leave Katie just stands there for a long moment before heading over to the small window that was in the infirmary. Sitting own on the windowsill Katie leans her head back as she looks out a few tears rolls down her face. Her voice was soft, and the pain was apparent.

"My life...its out of control Rick. Everything is so messed up. I...need to...heal."

A few more tears ran down her face as the pain still coursed through her. Everything with Jason, everything with the Agency it was ripping her apart inside.

"I..need to go home."

Weak

As Jason looks at Katie, his temper subsides for the moment. A strange sorrow floods his eyes as he takes her hand in his. "I just want to be able to live like normal people," he repeats quietly. "Just... to not have problems. I don't like the nightmares... I don't like the pain... I don't like my emotions taking control over me and attacking my weak spots."

I don't like being weak in front of you.

Letting go of her hand, Jason turns to head out of the infirmary and turns right, towards the downstairs.

Rick sighs and looks at Katie. He was glad Jason was going, but the damage was done. Would Katie go with him?

Let it out

Katie cant help but jump at both men raise there voice and Jason slams his fits on the table. She could feel her pulse race, and she could feel her own tension rise as her head starts to throb.

Hearing Jason's words Katie cant help the sharp pain that hits her heart, and she can feel the little bit of happiness she had today slipping away once again. She had thought this was a healing step, but now that was gone.

Looking up into Jason's eyes she saw that he didnt blame her but in another sence it was her fault they stopped the meds.

"But...dont you ever listen to me Jason? I don't get sick when you have a nightmare, and the pain isnt that when you give your anger to me. It doesn't bother me anymore, why don't you understand me? You hurt me more this way....I...I don't know what to do for you anymore Jason to make you understand."

Katie closes her eyes as she steps a few steps closer laying her hand on Jason's arm.

"I'm so messed up right now I dont even understand whats going on with me, my life is spiraling out of control but I do know one thing. I dont want anything bad to happen to you. Let your emotions anger out J, and than we will go from there. You have to Jason."

How much longer

Hearing Katie's frantic voice, Rick is immediately on alert. He tries to slow her down, asking her where she is, and is surprised that they are out in the parking lot.

Dropping everything else, Rick sprints down the hall, almost running Hal over as he goes. Across the main floor, he ignores a few strange glances, and he takes the stairs instead of the elevator to get up and out.

Once in the parking lot, he spots Katie and Jason and is by them within seconds. "Jason... Jason, can you hear me?"

Jason is still on the ground, but he manages a nod as the pain starts to subside again. "I'm not deaf," he grumbles.

Rick rolls his eyes and looks to Katie. "Help me get him up and inside."

Struggling a bit, Jason finally is able to get to his feet, though his knees want to buckle. His feet dragging, he leans on both Rick and Katie, making it into TJY and out of the rain. On the main floor, others are quick to realize something is wrong and start for them, but Rick waves them off, not wanting to deal with anything else, and he knows that it would just make Jason mad to have more people involved. Though Rick hadn't been told any details, he knows that this has something to do with Jason and Katie's connection.

The infirmary is quiet. Misty is there but Jeff has gone for a walk in the building. Rick moves Jason to the table so he can sit, and Jason does so without argument. His head felt like it was going to explode and he cringes, putting it in his hands.

Rick forces him to look up as he shines a light in his eyes. "Tell me what happened."

"It just... hurts." Jason couldn't really describe it much better than that.

"Emotions?"

"I think so."

"You haven't been on your dose?"

"No. Neither of us." Jason finally straightens a little as the intensity begins to wear off.

Rick stands back, a little bewildered. "Just happened out of the blue?"

"Pretty much."

"Not doing anything strange? Or trying things, or anything odd with your emotions?"

"No!" Jason growls. "I've told you everything!"

As his temper flares, Rick glances to Katie, not seeing much of a reaction. "Where's your anger, going, Jase?"

"What?"

"Where is it going?"

Jason looks to Katie, then back to Rick, then Katie, then Rick again.

Rick folds his arms, starting to frown. "You're keeping them from her again, aren't you?"

Jason swallows hard. "So what if I am? Is it so wrong for me not to want to see her in pain because of my own emotions?"

Rick shakes his head. "It's not wrong, but we've been through this how many times?!"

"I don't care!"

"You're killing yourself!" Rick's own voice raises. "Slowly but surely, you're killing yourself, Jason. No matter you reason, you're hanging onto your anger, your frustration, irritation, whatever, and it's eating you alive!"

"Why can't I just decide for myself what I do or don't do?!" Jason slides off the table to stand, his emotional storm still kept out of Katie's reach.

"It's not just about you, you know that! How many times must we go through this?! Let your negative out with your positive! Katie needs it all, whether it hurts or not, you know this!"

Jason looks helplessly at Katie before he looks at Rick again. "If I can't keep it in, then we have to find another way for me to let it out without hurting Katie."

"You know that's not possible."

"It has to be!" Jason's hand comes down hard on the table.

Rick isn't going to take Jason's temper lying down, and he matches the tone. "Why?! Why can't you move on from this and accept this for what it is?!"

"Because I want to be normal!" Jason throws his arms in the air. "Is that such a crime? Is it so bad that I just want to be a normal human being again? To not have to worry about breaking something if I shout too loud? To not have to worry about making Katie sick if I have a nightmare?"

Rick looks to Katie, apology in his eyes. He knew none of this was his fault, but he knew that this had to be horribly hard for her. He finally looks back to Jason. "You need to let your anger out now, before you kill yourself," he states calmly. "I suggest you go outside, or to the rec room, but whatever you choose, let it out. Katie would rather endure a little pain than see you dead."

Jason's fists are balled at his sides and his eyes drift from Rick to Katie. He didn't blame her. He didn't. This was nobody's fault. It was just the way they were. But he was so tired of all this. He was so tired of new things popping up all the time. The last time he'd withheld things, he'd gotten a little sick. This time it was so severe that Katie couldn't even give him any emotions back to communicate because it was too much for his body to take. How much longer would he have to endure this??

Help Please

Getting off the bike behind Jason Katie pulls her helmet off and puts it on the bike. Turning back to see Jason down on all fours the rain is forgotten and Katie is down next to him. Placing her hand on his arm again.

"Jason, whats wrong."

Katie's heart races as she can feel her insides churn and does flips. She could feel a little panic setting in as Jason doesn't say anything.

Pulling her phone out Katie dosnt care if it gets water damage or not. Dialing TJY she waits to get Rick before she cant help the panic in her voice.

"Rick, its Katie..we need help something is wrong..please hurry...please."

Going crazy

Hope's comment about Gunner brings out a mischievous glint in Scott's eye. "Yeah, well... I'll leave him in ignorance for now. Tomorrow I'll tell him to stuff a sock in it."

Watching Hope as she gathers up her things, he tucks his hands in his jeans pockets, his eye following her out the door. Looking around the room, he takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Now alone, he was feeling the shock of the day.

Having seen Hope leave, Gunner pokes his head around the corner. "You alright?"

Scott nods. "Yeah, I... I think so." Turning around, he exits into the hall, his expression a thoughtful one. "Guess it all just feels a little strange."

Gunner starts to walk with him. "You mean freedom?"

"Yeah."

"I think you'll get used to it." Gunner grins. "Least you'll get rid of me tomorrow."


Getting back home, Scott sinks down in the couch, closing his eyes as Domino comes to jump on his lap. He absentmindedly strokes her head, as his mind went in a million directions at once. He was stronger than he'd thought. It made him feel good... it made him feel... worth something, maybe. At the same time though, it also proved there was more about his captivity that he didn't remember. And he dreaded the day it would surface.

For now though... "You ready to see Hope tonight?"

Domino wriggles on his lap and gives him kisses.

"That's what I thought." Scott grins and moves to stand back up again. "Come on. We better think about what we're gonna wear."


Jason revvs up the bike's engine to turn around and head back down to the main road. He takes it a little easier this time, paying more attention to Katie than he had before. Only once does he experience enough pain that he has to pull over for a minute or two before getting back on the road.

It's still raining when they make it to TJY and Jason grits his teeth as another wave of pain hits him. Easing the motorcycle onto its kickstand, he takes off his helmet, gasping as the rain washes down over his head. Another step forward and his world seems to flip on him. Losing his balance, he goes down on all fours on the hard parking lot pavement, unable to stand the pain.

He wants to tell Katie he's okay, he wants to tell her to go get Rick or something, anything so she doesn't panic, but he can't get the words out.

Touch

Silly smiling Hope catches the glint in Scott's eye and it makes her smile grow even more as a worm feeling washed over her that she had never felt before. Yes she had had boyfriends, and guys she liked, but she had always felt out of place with them like she just didnt fit in. But now with Scott that feeling was there and it was form and inviting.

"That sounds like a great idea, and yes Domino can come too. I think she would like the exercise."

Hearing Gunner's voice Hope cant help but giggle as she leans in a little to Scott the humor showing in her eyes.

"You know, you can tell him to stuff a sock in it now right?"

Giving Scott another quick kiss on the cheek Hope moves to the table gathering her things up. Looking back at Scott she gives a small nod.

"Seven, I will be ready. See you than."

Hearing that the communication was making things worse Katie cuts off talking to Jason that was and moves back on the bike. Wrapping her amrs around Jason and holding her hands to his chest Katie just lets her emotions draw from Jason.

"Just drive slow and if you have to pull over do so."

Katie new they had to get back and see Rick before anything else happend to Jason. Her worry escalated. She was messed up enough without having anything else bad happen to Jason.

Seven

Receiving Katie's communication, Jason cringes. "Don't... gah, that hurts." Taking a deep breath, he turns back to the motorcycle, still visibly in pain. "Don't use your emotions to talk to me right now, 'k babe?"

Getting to the bike, he leans on it a moment and shakes his head. "You crazy?" he mutters. "I don't care if you know how to drive or not, this bike is too big for you and we'll both wind up as roadkill."

He forces Katie to scoot back again before getting on in front of her. Then putting his helmet on, he turns to her one more time. He didn't know why he was telling her this, but somehow, he knew what to ask. "Put your hands on me." Even through leather, the closer Katie got, the better. It was almost like someone sucking off the foamy top of a soda pop to keep it from overflowing. Her emotional draw was just enough to take off the edge... for just long enough that he knew he could make it back to town. Deep down, he feared he knew the problem, but he would see Rick first. Would this thing never end?


"Well..." Scott gives a short chuckle. "I guess I wasn't expecting to be free at this point so... I have no idea where to go tonight."

He holds up Hope's hand, his thin fingers wrapping around hers. "How about... we grab subs on the way out of town and have a nice sunset supper on the edge of the lake somewhere?" For the first time in a long time, a shimmer is evident in his eye. "And... I even know someone who would like to come along... and she won't eat much."

"Scott!" Gunner has been left alone in the hall, and raps his knuckles on the door. "I'm missin' a game, let's go!"

Scott quirks an eyebrow. "You don't watch sports!"

"See? Then I'm missing a game, aren't I?" Though they couldn't see him, Gunner grins, lazily leaned back against the wall. "And yes, you can borrow my car."

Now Scott can't help a laugh and he looks back to Hope. "Looks like I can pick you up then. Seven?"

I'll drive

Feeling Jason's whole body tremble Katie can feel something is wrong, and it feels a little comfortable for her even though its ten times worse for Jason.

Turning to go back to the bike Katie can feel Jason's resistance and his own worry. She rode a bike once before when she was thinking about getting her own an test drived one so she new how to drive. Cutting this outing short was ok since it was for Jason. She would always do whatever for Jason no matter the cost.

Squinting her own eyes against the pain of her own headache she had, had for days Katie turns to look at Jason in the eyes.

"We are going back to see Rick. You get to hold me while I drive, and dont try to talk me out of it J."

Katie gives a nod. She had made up her mind and there was not talking her out of it.

I am messed up enough right now, I don't need to lose you on top of it. I couldn't handle it.

Putting on her own helmet Katie holds Jason's out to him before getting on his bike.

Pulling back just a little to see in to Scott's eyes the smile on Hope's face remained as her eyes twinkled. It felt so good to be close to Scott again and even though there words were few it was good to know they could talk once more again as well.

Her heart still pounding, Hope wondered if Scott felt the same way, his kiss made her say yes, and his question to dinner was a slight confirmation as well. Now where would they go from here? Continues to be friends and was this just the joy of seeing eachother again or was this to go deeper into a relationship that could grow. Hope, hoped it was the later of the two. It would be nice to continue to see Scott on a deeper level.

Giving a small nod to Scott's question Hope did have time. She was free for the next few days with having to cancel all her appointments. What a better way to spend her free time than with Scott.

"I would love to have dinner with you tonight Scott. You pick where we want to go. Spending more time with you sounds like a great idea."

Hope's hand slips down to Scott's as her fingers interlock with her own giving his hand a gentil squeeze.

Feedback

Jason shakes his head, gritting his teeth as he just stands shakily for a moment. "No... no I'm alright."

I don't know wha-

As soon as he tries to communicate with his emotions, he receives another shock. Cringing, he puts his hands to his head, feeling like a two-way radio that wasn't tuned in. It was almost like getting high-pitched feedback from speakers while playing his guitar, except it wasn't an audible sound. It was just... raw emotions.

Trying to catch his breath, he can feel his pulse racing. The thunder suddenly seems ten times louder. "Holy cow..." His whole body was trembling now. As much as he wanted to take Katie's question and leave, he wasn't even sure right now if he should be driving.

Another clap of thunder makes him jump. Looking down at Katie, he tries to get past whatever this was. "I'm... I'm okay now I think. Let's just... um... keep walking."


Scott can feel a bit of heat creeping into his face as Hope draws near. Her hand through his hair sends a tingle down his spine, and though a bit unsure, he lets her pull him closer.

Still somewhat in shock over the whole thing, and now surprised by Hope's affection, at first, he's not sure how to react. But as her lips touch his, his tenseness seems to melt away.

His hands move to Hope's waist, holding her close before slowly sliding his arms around her. Returning the kiss, feelings for her surface, that maybe he didn't even realize he had. It seemed like a lifetime ago that they had embraced one another. Now... the nightmare was gradually fading.

Scott feels as though his whole world is tipped upside down and spun in the wrong direction. Finally, slowly, he pulls back just a little, his eyes still closed as he rests his forehead against Hope's. His arms are still around her and he sways just a little to soft overhead music he hadn't heard until now.

"I missed you too," he manages quietly.

Drawing back even a little more, he looks into her eyes to make sure he wasn't imagining things. She really did want this? She really did feel this way about him? It wasn't just some surface emotional thing?

Swallowing hard, his heart is still racing. "Are you... free for supper?"

Helping

Smiling at Scott as they were alone Hope rocks back and forth on her feet once or twice.

"Hi!"

She felt like a little kid again witch was a strange feeling but she wouldn't trade it for anything. Stepping close to Scott Hope smiles and she runs her hand down the side of his face gently running her hand through her hair and cocks her head just a little.

"You've changed. Not a bad change its a good one, I can see it in your eyes. You look good Scott."

Searching his eyes Hope's hand finds the side of Scott's face again and than moved down to his neck and wraps her hand around his neck gently pulling him close to her.

"I missed you Scott more than u know."

Feeling his breath on her skin Hope cocks her head a little and leans gentily pressing her lips to Scott showing him how much she had missed him. The emotions, the feeling washing over her. It was a moment she didnt want to end to soon and it didnt matter where they were.

Gently kissing Jason back Katie lets the feelings wash over her until Jason finally pulls away. Taking his had as he helped her off the bike Katie watch the lights brighten up the sky.

There are some good memories here.

Getting ready to walk forward with Jason Katie stops and gives a small jump before turning and seeing Jason. For that split momet Katie forgets about her own troubles and is down in the mud with Jason.

"J, whats wrong?"

Resting her hand on Jason's shoulder Katie cant help but feed a little more on his emotions trying to help him feel better. But seeing him stand Katie stands with him.

"What happend? Do you need to go?"

Hi

Would you stop apologizing?

Jason leans in closer, pressing his lips to Katie's for just as moment before leaning back again.

It's not your fault... so stop saying you're sorry and stop thanking me. I'm here because I want to be, not because I have to be.

Sliding off the bike, Jason holds out his hand to Katie, offering to walk her further up on the ridge in the middle of the rumbling storm.

Before he can make a step forward though, his body fills with a shooting pain. If he didn't know better, he would have thought he'd just been struck by lightning. Without realizing it, he's dropped to one knee, a hand to his chest as he gasps for air.

As quickly as the pain came, it was gone, leaving him with a strange, almost-empty feeling, but one that also made his head throb and his stomach churn. What was happening?

Trying to shake it off, he gets to his feet again, letting the rain bring him back to his senses.


Still staring at the small group, Scott gropes for answers. "What... what's going on?"

"You're free to go, Mr. Johnson," Barkley informs.

Scott's eyes widen in shock. "But... what... how..." He looks to Carson. "Did you... find it?"

Carson nods slowly. "I did, Scott."

Scott waits, but still nothing. "I'm sorry... I don't understand."

Reese steps forward and places a hand on Scott's shoulder. Emotions had flood his eyes, showing just how proud he was of who Scott was. Under all the quietness, nerdiness and strange quirks, he was the one who shone. "You are a strong man, Scott. Carson found proof that you resisted the Agency's brainwashing."

"But-"

"You don't remember it, but they recorded your assimilation as a failure. We know you have the data though so... Carson put the puzzle pieces together."

Scott swallows hard, suddenly finding it difficult to control his own emotions. "You mean I... I didn't conform? I didn't give in?"

"No." Reese shakes his head. "You didn't. You did it for us... the Elite. You've done what no one else has... you beat the Agency at their own game. And now... not only are you officially back on the force but..." He pauses, glancing to Brown then back to Scott. "...but you're back on as lieutenant."

Scott's mouth opens in shock. He was being... promoted? All the way to lieutenant? He blinks, overcome by a million and one thoughts and emotions. He really wasn't a coward? He really hadn't caved? He'd beaten the Agency?

"I have another hearing in five minutes," Barkley announces. "I must go now. Gentlemen, I trust you can handle the rest of this yourselves." Shaking hands, the judge leaves.

"And I need to finish up some paperwork with you." Reese nods to Brown. "We might as well do it now that we're together."

"Sure. We can slip down to the office, no problem."

With those two gone as well, Gunner sets his hands on his hips, looking to Hope, Scott, then Carson. Rolling his eyes, he moves and takes Carson by the shoulder, pushing him towards the door. "We'll be outside," he mutters.

Scott can't help a light chuckle. He and Hope were alone in the room and he finally looks at her again, searching her eyes. There was so much he could say. He was so grateful... so shocked... so overcome... so confused... it was all so much to take in at once. But all he can muster is a small smile. "Hi."

Love

Getting onto the back of Jason's motorcycle Katie's heart pounds. Being close to Jason and riding the motorcycle was always fun and exciting for her. Putting her helmet on Katie wraps her arms around his wast before resting her head on his back.

As the start out Katie enjoys herself the cool breeze washing over them and the cool water splashs on her skin and soaking through her close felt nice after the last few hot days. Hearing the thunder crash in the sky Katie looks up a little.

I dont care what anyone says I like rain storms and they are better with you.

Continuing to ride with Jason squinting Katie could make out were they were and it had been so long since this place had been seen. Katie enjoys the time out. The fresh hair felt nice and though her head still pounded.

Coming to a stop and having her helmet removed Katie takes in a deep breath of the nice fresh air. Looking through the rain Katie gives a small smile at Jason as her eyes still hold the lost look though somewhere behind them someone who new Katie on a deeper level could see the twinkle that wanted to come out to let her emotions for Jason show.

Feeling Jason's warm skin on her face Katie leans her head into it a little the tingles washing over her. Opening her eyes to look at Jason Katie brings her hand to his running her fingers over his fingers.

I love you too Jason. I'm....I'm sorry I am so messed up right now. Thank you for sticking it out with me though. You mean alot to me and I hope one day to be myself again and spend the rest of my life with you.

Continuing to listen to Jason Hope nods her head here and there trying her best to understand what Carson was saying and to follow along alot of the things her didnt know about.

Hope can't help the small that makes its way to her face she she finally starts to understand what was going on and exacly what Scott did.

"Yes Carson is right. Someone could push something so far away and out of reach that they themselves wont even remember it. Than slowly over time, and an involvement shift he could of known now was the time for the information to come out and wala."

Drawing silent once more Hope can't hide the smile on her face as it just stays put there. Maybe even a tear or so slipped from her eyes.

As Scott enters the room again Hope beams. Giving a small nod of reassurance to Scott that everything was ok. She wanted to hug and talk to him, but she would have to wait till Scott himself new.

Underestimated

Jason is already on his way out of the office to go home and exchange his truck for his motorcycle.

Just bring your helmet.

It doesn't take him too long to get across town and back, headed towards Katie's. He knew Ryder and Thirteen hadn't been back since going to TJY this morning, so he hoped Katie was doing alright by herself. Why he'd suggested a motorcycle ride, he didn't know. Maybe he just wanted Katie to get out of the house for a while. Maybe he wanted to give her something else to think about and knew she enjoyed it. Maybe he was trying to find something that felt as though it had been lost.

Pulling up to the house, he waits for Katie just as the firs few drops of rain fall from the sky. Seeing her emerge, he shifts on the bike to make it easier to get on behind him.

Hey, Beautiful. Hop on.

Revving the engine, Jason backs out of the drive, then heads down the street, picking up speed. Thunder shook the road and lightning streaked across the sky in front of them.

We better slow down, we're conducting electricity, he teases.

He had no destination in mind. No route planned out. He just drove. It started to rain harder, but he didn't mind. He and Katie would be getting soaked, but he knew she wouldn't mind either. Heading out of town he hits a back highway, sending spray from the wheels as they sped across the wet pavement.

Driving for about half an hour, they finally slow down. Jason takes a narrower, winding path that leads up to a ridge they hadn't visited in a long time.

Pulling the bike to a stop, Jason shuts off the engine and takes off his helmet, allowing himself to be pelted by the driving rain. A boom of thunder rattles the surrounding trees, and another flash of lightning illuminates the sky. The last time they were here, it was like this. Jason had brought Katie here on the motorcycle just like today, though at that time, she hadn't been able to walk. He'd taken her in his arms and they had been enveloped by the storm, enjoying the moment, for everything it was.

Turning in his seat, Jason reaches out to pull off Katie's helmet, staring at her through the rain, watching as her hair became soaked and hung down around her face. His hand runs down along her cheek.

I love you, Katie. I don't know how it happened... or why... but it did. I hope nothing I do ever makes you think otherwise.


"What is this?" Judge Barkley demands upon Carson's entrance.

"We're sorry," the officers apologize. "He just wouldn't stop and-"

"Carson, what on earth are you doing?!" Reese exclaims. "You know better than to-"

"But I found it." Carson holds up the papers. "I found the truth." His eyes beg the judge to listen. "Please... I need to talk to you... and Reese... and Brown..." His gaze finds Hope. She should know too. "And Miss Garrison. Please."

The judge frowns. "This is highly irregular, sir. Who are you?"

"Carson Banks. I... I used to be an Elite agent. Please... you've got to listen to me before you made a judgment."

Barkley thinks for several minutes and finally sighs and nods. "Officers, remove Mr. Johnson until I call you to return."

Scott looks around wildly for a moment, having no idea what was going on. He didn't have a clue what Carson would have found, and he was scared of things he didn't know. Being prompted up, he stands with the officers to be escorted out. A worried look is thrown at Hope as he passes by. What was happening?

Once the five are alone, Carson moves to the table with his papers. "I've been trying to get answers about Scott's assimilation," he explains hurriedly. "It always bothered me that they left him for dead, if the program had been a success. It being a success is why we're here today because that would mean he was a threat." He takes a deep breath. "I hacked into the Agency system to find answers. This morning I found a file that listed the day-to-day occurrences..."

Carson goes on to try and explain what he had seen on the account of Scott's assimilation, and the records that had shown the progress and finally, his failure. "So..." He shakes his head, finishing up. "I think it's obvious that... we underestimated Scott."

Reese folds his arms, confused. He looks to Barkley and Brown who seem equally confused. "What do you mean?"

Carson swallows hard. "I mean, I think he's got a mental strength that would put most of us to shame."

Now Barkley leans forward with interest. "Go on, Mr Banks."

"Well, the Agency files say the assimilation didn't work. They couldn't retrieve the information and they recorded that the program had failed - that he hadn't retained any information at all, and he was useless."

Reese frowns. "But you proved he did have the data. We know he does have the information."

"Exactly."

Reese waits, trying to figure it out. "I don't follow."

"Don't you?" Carson shakes his head, the amazement starting to sink in. "He fooled them, Reese. He was never brainwashed. He went through that entire program, without conforming. He received all of that data and went through all of their brainwashing techniques and even pretended to conform. When all along, it was just an act."

"Well how-"

"See, when they got done with the assimilation, he had to have led them to believe that the program hadn't worked. He didn't want to work for them, but he'd received a ton of information that could help us here, and he wasn't willing to give it up. So he hung on to it and resisted their attempts to withdraw the data from him, leading them to believe that he hadn't retained a bit of it. Once they thought he was a complete failure, they threw him in the dungeon and the rest is history."

Reese tries to process what he was hearing. "How could someone have resisted all of that, then even pulled off an act on top of it?"

"Ask Scott."

Barkley cocks his head. "You really think that's what happened?"

"You got a better explanation?" Carson points to his papers. "And I'd bet you anything that when he supposedly caved, that he didn't even give them any useful information - they just thought that he was." He pauses with seriousness. "I have never seen anyone or heard of anyone surviving that program without having been totally brainwashed and conformed to the Agency. But I'm telling you... Scott did it."

Reese shakes his head slowly. "Unbelievable. How come he doesn't remember?"

"Don't know. I'm not a psychologist." Carson glances to Hope. "But if he had the mental capacity to take in all that data, store it and resist their torture while they were trying to extract it... my only guess would be that he buried everything so deeply so they couldn't get it, and that his mind just tried to erase all of it, while he was blocking out the torture at the same time. It was traumatic, no doubt and it's not a surprise he doesn't remember a lot of what happened to him. But I think it was probably his effort not to let the Agency know he had the data that pushed it over the edge. He blocked it out... until he saw Phinox. Something was triggered and then he was willing, so I could extract the data, proving he had it."

Carson nods as he talks, thrilled that they'd finally found the answer. It had to be it. "That's why it was so confusing... because the Agency wouldn't throw away someone who had been assimilated, and we knew the program had been successful. The key was, that they didn't know that. They thought the program failed. Only Scott knew it hadn't, but that knowledge was locked away until a month ago when I discovered it was there."

"So... you think he didn't give them any information about the Elite either?" Brown asks.

"If you had the gumption to undergo that program and withstand it, do you think you would have spilled surface information?"

"No."

"I don't think Scott did either. I think he either gave them true information that was worthless, or he lied." Carson looks up at Barkley, the hope back in his eyes. "He's innocent, Judge. The Agency didn't train him as an agent or give him any special instructions because they thought it was a failed program. He's not a threat."

The judge leans back in his chair, heaving a heavy sigh. He couldn't deny what was in front of him. It was incredible that anyone could accomplish what Carson was suggesting Scott did... but he was right - it was the only explanation. Scott had been through so much... he had suffered the unthinkable with the Agency. It was no wonder he didn't want to remember all of it now. Barkley pushes an intercom button. "Wilson? Bring Mr. Johnson back in, please."

While waiting, the judge nods with decision. "Scott will be free to go."

Reese sighs one of the biggest sighs of relief he ever has as a smile slowly spreads on his face. Carson slumps in his chair, totally exhausted.

When Scott is brought in, his head is hanging slightly and he stares around the room at all the eyes that were on him. Why were they showing so much emotion? Why did Reese look so sad... or proud... or something? And why weren't they saying anything? He swallows hard and finally just looks to Hope, wondering what on earth was going on.