An Abandoned Warehouse - London

[itsananomaly]

It had been a week since Connor and Cutter had been captured, Leek had most of his plans set in motion to ensure that everything would fall into place once he made his motives known to Lester and the British government and from there he would slowly control the worlds most powerful governments and cooperations. Helen was also ready with her plans, she had convinced Nick to join her and Stephen and after letting him spend one more night in his cell, had eventually released him so that he could be ready to move to the future with them. Lester and the rest of the team at the ARC had finally received the first bit of good news in a week, that Cutter and Connor were still alive and were being held by Helen and Leek and that there were coordinates for where they ere being held. It had been decided that what was left of the team would go in first because there was no telling what would happen to Cutter and Connor if they went in with the military. [part nine. Adapted from Series 2 episode 7 'The Menagerie' as we continue to tear apart canon and put it back together again. CW for violence and NPC character death. Preplayed as always with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!].

Jenny(thearcfamily)	After some initial back and forth, Lester had agreed with Jenny that the text with the information about Cutter and Connor was genuine and they had to chance it. Jenny wasn't sure what to expect when they pulled up at the warehouse, there didn't seem to be anybody about, "Cutter and Connor have really been here the entire week?" she said softly, she desperately wanted to believe that they were still alive, "we have to find them,"
Connor(thearcfamily)	"That's what the text said... if we can believe it" Connor said as he stood and looked around at all the empty and apparently abandoned buildings. He wasn't sure he trusted anything Stephen said or did at this point, but it was their only shot. They had to try. "I just hope we can find them...." he wasn't going to add the 'before it's too late'. It just felt too final.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"We have to believe it, otherwise ... " Jenny's voice trailed off, before she started and stopped again, "If only I’d checked on them sooner,” she had regretted that she had been so busy that afternoon, that she hadn’t been able to stop Cutter and Connor running off on their own, “I could have stopped them, I was the one in charge that afternoon, this happened on my watch,” she said, her expression full of regret. Lester hadn’t said anything to her yet about this but she knew that the blame landed on her, Cutter and Connor were her responsibility and she had failed them.
Connor(thearcfamily)	"Hey" Connor said with a small, forced smile. "We'll deal with the who's to blame and all that later eh?" He put a hand on Jenny's shoulder. "First, we find them and get them out of here." "Normally, I'd say to split up and start searching if it was just a matter of them being missing" Abby said as she joined them. "But with it being that they've been taken captive.... by Leek and Helen... I think staying together is our only option at this point."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	“That’s why Lester sent us and he didn’t bring in the military,” Jenny sighed, “if we sent the military, guns blazing and all - Cutter and Connor would probably be dead before they could even get through the door, Helen doesn’t strike me as very reasonable,” That was an understatement Jenny. “I’m also in favour of not splitting up,” she nodded, “there’s too much ground to cover, we’re too exposed and too many things can go wrong,”
Connor(thearcfamily)	"Right. So.... pick a door and start searching then?" Connor asked pointing at the couple doors near them one by one. "Umm... enni... minni... minne... mo...?"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Well we've got to start somewhere I suppose," Jenny looked at the door that Connor had ended up picking, "this one looks like a good place to start ... " she looked around nervously, "I think..." she couldn't help but wonder which door Connor and Cutter had come through before Helen had kidnapped them. .
Connor(thearcfamily)	Connor gave a nod and walked up to the door. "Here goes nothing" And with a deep breath he opened the door and peered inside. "Well? Anything?" Abby asked as she leaned in to try and get a peek around Connor. "Pretty dark in there. So.... who wants to go in first then?" Connor said looking between the two.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"I'll go," Jenny volunteered immediately before Abby had a chance to say anything, since she still viewed this as her fault, at least stepping inside first to see just what kind of dangerous situation they were walking into was the least she could do.
Connor(thearcfamily)	"Right then, after you" Connor said as he let Jenny step through the door. He started to walk in after her but Abby hurried past. "Right... then I'll bring up the rear?" Connor said trying not to sound less than thrilled about that option as he hurried in after them. "See anything, Jenny?" he called up to her after a few minutes of walking through the dim hallway.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Nothing yet," Jenny called back, "it seems to be mostly empty, we really should have brought a torch or something ... it's near impossible to see anything," .
Connor(thearcfamily)	"Here, use my phone. The torch feature isn't that good, but better than nothing," he said, switching it on and handing it up to Jenny. "I wonder how far back these hallways go?" "It's like a maze in here," Abby said, looking around. "I mean, a perfect place to hide someone away, but this could take some time to search on our own."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	“Thank you,”Jenny said gratefully as she took Connor’s phone and started to see if she could spot any movement, “we could end up lost ourselves down here and we don’t know how much time Cutter and Connor have left,” She paused, “we might need a different strategy, as much as I don’t like divide and conquer, it might help us…” she startled when she thought she heard something and shone Connor’s phone directly ahead.
Connor(thearcfamily)	Connor and Abby froze, listening and trying to peer into the darkness just past the light from the phone. Their eyes grew wide as a figure appeared and then another, stepping into the light. "Leek..." Abby said as the light fell on the smug smirk on Leek's face. Connor, on the other hand, was a bit distracted, looking past Leek to the other figure standing next to him. "Caroline?" he asked as he stared in disbelief.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	“Caroline?” Jenny frowned, trying to place the name because sometimes it would be really helpful if people actually told her things so she would be prepared, “Leek … where are Cutter and Connor, there doesn’t have to be any bloodshed, we’re both reasonable adults, we can come to a peaceful resolution,”
Connor(thearcfamily)	"Caroline was Connor's girlfriend... " Abby whispered to Jenny. "Keyword there being was." "What are you doing here, Caroline?" Connor asked, still basically ignoring Leek, much to the man's annoyance.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Yes, yes... introductions all around" Leek said sounding annoyed. "Now that that's done, I'm afraid you, dear Jenny Lewis, are not really in any position to negotiate anything right now." Leek sneered and snapped his fingers, and seconds later several armed men appeared in the hallway, in front of them and behind as well, blocking any chance they had of escape. "See, I'm the one in control right now," he added with a cold laugh.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	“See this is why people need to tell me things,” Jenny sighed as she reluctantly raised her hands in surrender, “that bit of information would have been nice, did Cutter know about Caroline?” Did everyone know but her? Also how was it that she was now finding herself in a position in less than a week where guns were being drawn on her a second time? “Alright Oliver, let’s not get to rash here … we’re more valuable to you alive than dead,” she pointed out.
Connor(thearcfamily)	"Aye Cutter knew... sort of" Connor said a little sheepishly as he finally realized what was going on and slowly raised his hands. "You know Connor, for someone so smart, you really are quite thick sometimes," Abby said with a slight eye roll as she followed suit and raised her hands as well.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Yes you are more valuable alive than dead, for now. Kinda like Professor Cutter and the copy of this one here" he said with a smug grin and nod toward Connor. "But that can all change rather quickly, as they are finding out. I would advise you to not make this any harder on yourselves. I really would rather not have to get my hands dirty again." .
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Of course Cutter knew," Jenny grumbled and then she flinched at the rest of what Leek was saying but kept her hands raised so that no one would get any ideas, "so they are still alive?" she clarified, because if they were that meant they had a chance of rescuing them ... somehow. They just had to figure out how to get away from Leek and his men.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"They're alive. Surprisingly, if I'm being honest. They have been quite entertaining if nothing else," Leek said with a laugh. He then nodded to the men as he turned and started leading them down the hallway.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter had finally been released from his cell and was wearing clothes again, he was also standing ... which was something that he hadn't done in nearly a week but the healing serum that Helen had given him had actually helped him. He was still in a bit of pain and Helen had explained that it wasn't a cure, they would have to wait until they got to the future but it was better than the agony he had been in the last several days. He just stared blankly ahead as he waited for what his orders were, what Helen and Leek needed him to do, at least it would give him something to stop replaying that awful moment when Helen had told him that Connor was dead and the sooner he got to the future with Helen, the sooner Connor would be brought back.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Pity about the boy," Leek said in what might have been a pathetic attempt at condolences or just a passing observation. Was kind of hard to tell at times. "But I guess it all hasn't been a total loss. Plans are still moving forward pretty much as expected, now that you are on board with us." .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter flinched at Leek’s remark, he eyed him warily as he thought back to their last encounter … him on the floor, naked, broken and Leek’s delight in ensuring that pain continued, “I’m here because we can save Connor,” he said, normally there would have been a bit of bite to it but now he just felt tired, “saving Connor is all I care about,”
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Yes, yes, it's all so touching," Leek said with a sneer. "Such a short-sighted goal, really. But I guess, we each have our own motivations for doing what we do. Hubris for Helen. Power for myself. Your precious Connor."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter frowned a bit at that but he didn't really have the strength to question anything, "like you said, we all have our reasons," he said simply, "if I can help bring Connor back," he stared up at Leek, "I don't care what happens to me ...as long as I can save him, I have to save him," The alternative was too much to bear that he was going to live in a universe without Connor.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Well, once we get all these annoying loose ends tied up here...." Leek grinned as he looked over at Cutter. "I'm sure it won't be long once we get to our final destination that we can all have what we want." Leek was about to walk away then he looked back to Cutter with a smirk. "Is he really worth it? The Connor kid, I mean. Seems like an awful lot of work and effort... when there's so many other ways to use this technology." Leek watched Cutter closely, knowing he was smashing every button he likely had just then. He just wanted to see what kind of reaction he could get out of the man as broken as he was. .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"He's worth it," Cutter shivered, wishing he had the strength to say something biting but … after the last few days of everything he had endured, he just … there wasn’t any fight left in him. “He’s worth it,” Cutter repeated, more to himself than anything, “it … it’s my fault that Connor was even caught up in this mess to begin with, the least I can do is bring him back … give him that chance,” Even if it meant that Connor would likely abandoned him after this, that’s what Cutter would do if he was in Connor’s position.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"So noble. But at least you two will have your chance in the future," Leek said, feigning concern for them. "There really is so much waiting there to be tapped into and utilized. Might even be something out there waiting that could tempt even the likes of the great Professor Cutter."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter closed his eyes at that, "being together with Connor is all that I care about," he said flatly, "the knowledge to be able to do that ... it is the only knowledge I'm interested in," Which some part of his mind felt a little hypocritical at that, after all he hadn't wanted Helen to run these experiments at all and now here he was about to change it so he could bring Connor back. At the end of it ... he wasn't any better than Helen was he? and that thought terrified him.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Once you see the possibilities that await us, I think you might change your mind," Leek said with a grin. "But in any case, glad to have you onboard. I'm sure we will make a great team, the four of us," Leek said, making sure to include Connor in that count to keep Cutter's focus on that. And with that he turned and started heading over toward where Helen was on the other side of the lab.
Helen(itsananomaly)	"You've made the right choice," Helen told Nick with a smile, pleased that Nick was showing no signs of resisting or trying to work against them. He was well and truly broken. "Soon, we will be together, you and I and Connor, the way we should have always been," she added.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter just stared at her, barely registering anything that she said but something felt off in that, "what about Stephen?" he asked, tensing at the mention of his name ... Stephen who had killed Connor. "I thought he was coming with us?" He wasn't sure what he would do if he ever saw Stephen again, what he had done ... how was he going to face him after that? .
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen shook her head, "Stephen is no longer part of our plans," she assured him, "we could have been together but he just went too far, killing Connor was not part of the plan and now Stephen won't be coming with us to the future,"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter closed his eyes at that, it meant that he wouldn't have to face Stephen again, "good," he said simply, making sure he betrayed no emotion, "what do you need me to do?" he asked, resigned to his fate.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen smiled at that, "we're ready for you to put in your own calculations," she told him, "we'll be moving forward with our plans very, very soon," she told him, "it won't be long now before we're all together in the future,"
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen was feeling rather pleased with herself, her plan was working perfectly and she had Nick right where she wanted him, she hadn't had to deal with Leek and she wouldn't have to for much longer. The only real disappointment had been Stephen but she had Nick, that was her main goal and as long as he remained broken and without hope, that his only chance for Connor to be saved ... then he had to do exactly as she said. She went over her calculations to make sure that it was perfect, there could be no mistakes.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Congratulations are in order I see," Leek said as he walked over. "Cutter seems well and truly broken. I am impressed."
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen smirked at that as she looked up at Leek, "I told you I could do it, bring him round to our way of thinking, his knowledge on the anomalies will be most useful to us," she looked over to where Cutter was standing completely still and barely registering anything around him, she lowered her voice, "and how are our guests going? I trust they're being well looked after?" Whether she actually meant that was up to debate.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"They are enjoying the finest accommodations we have to offer," Leek said sarcastically with a cold grin. "Everything is in place for the next step. When we are ready, I am sure Lester will be eating out of our hands by the end."
Helen(itsananomaly)	"Good, good someone needs to put him in his place, show him who's truly running the show," Helen tilted her head at Leek, "pity you couldn't take care of him with the future predator when you had the chance but he'll be more likely to work to release our guests if they're alive and haven't been harmed, I can't see why Lester would bother with Nick and ...Connor" she dropped her voice even lower at that. "They're well and truly broken, we're the only ones who will have any use for them ... well Nick anyway, it doesn't matter what happens to Connor, maybe we even feed him to the predators later with what's left of his broken body,"
Leek(thearcfamily)	Leek gave a sly cruel grin at that thought. "Would be barely a snack for them all... but it would be a shame to let the boy go to waste since he's of no use to us now with our plans." Leek gave a nod to the papers and charts in front of Helen. "Speaking of plans, how are we looking? All on track?"
Helen(itsananomaly)	"We're all on track, we just need Nick's input on the anomalies and the calculations will be complete, we'll have a stable gateway to the future anomaly, I can conduct my experiments ...you'll have your power and control of the government, we both win," Helen said with a smile. "Well not Connor but it couldn't be helped unfortunately," she added coldly.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Pity really. The boy could have been of use, as far as tech nerd goes. He did seem pretty adapt with the tech and all" Leek glanced at Helen and realized how that might sound. "Not as skilled as yourself of course, but he still might have been handy to have on our side." Leek gave a small annoyed sigh. "Still, I guess so long as the clean up of the mess isn't for us to worry about, I consider it progress towards our goal."
Helen(itsananomaly)	"Perhaps," Helen had actually been impressed by Connor's resolve to not give up... he had lasted longer than Nick had but she wasn't about to say that now, "but it was necessary to get to Nick ... he was our endgame, Connor ... he was just collateral, as far as his tech skills go, well ... should have utilised them before he ended up in the sorry state he's in now," she smirked.
Leek(thearcfamily)	Leek considered that a moment then leaned in closer, his voice a whisper as he checked to make sure Cutter wasn't looking their way. "So what exactly did you tell Cutter? Does he expect to get his actual Connor back from the dead rather than an empty shell of a clone?"
Helen(itsananomaly)	"I told him the truth ... that I can bring Connor back," Helen smirked, "if he's chosen to interpret that as being his actual Connor ... well whatever helps him sleep at night," The fact that Nick wasn't sleeping much at all now was besides the point.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"And whatever helps us reach our goal," Leek said coldly. "Remember, we both get what we want if we pull this off," he added as he started towards the door to the lab. "I think I am going to go check on our guests. And might as well tie up those loose ends with the boy. Unless you want to pay him a visit and give him your final farewell?" Leek asked with a mocking smirk.
Helen(itsananomaly)	"I think I'm done with the boy, it's been fun but it's time to move forward with our plans" Helen smirked at that, "so if you want to start getting him ready for feeding time...." her smile widened, "be my guest,"
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Consider it done," Leek replied with a smirk of his own to match. And with that, he turned and headed for the door.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen was glad he had had the foresight to bug the lab when they had arrived. He wanted to trust Helen. He really truly did want to believe that they were on the right side of things. But the last 24 hours had proven how wrong he was. And now Stephen knew what their plans really were for Connor. He was out of time to figure something out. There was no time for a grand plan. He had to get Connor out before Leek literally used him as Predator bait. Stephen put away the device he had been listening in on and hurried down the hallway, taking one of the shortcuts he knew to get to Connor's cell before Leek. He really had no idea how he was going to pull this off. All Stephen knew was he had to try. He had made a promise to Connor and to Nick... and he was going to do whatever it took to make good on that.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was still in pretty bad shape. Given the circumstances, the odds of him getting out were slim, and he was beginning to accept that he just might actually die in this cell. He only hoped that Cutter had somehow managed to escape, that he had gotten out, that someone had come for them and at least managed to get him away from Helen. That was what mattered....if he believed enough that he was safe... then Connor knew he could accept his fate, such as it seemed to be. His fight was gone. He knew he wasn't going to last much longer. Helen was either going to finish her fun and games or she was simply going to let him lie where he was until he died. Connor really didn't see any other option as he sat huddled in the corner of the cell, the wall he was slumped against keeping him upright more than his own strength was at that point.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen hesitated outside the door to Connor's cell for just a moment, listening to make sure he didn't hear Leek coming up the corridor. Convinced that for now he was clear, he opened the door and walked in. "Connor, we're getting out of here" he said without any fuss or lead up. "Right now."
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You... you got Nick out?" Connor asked, lifting his head and looking at Stephen with hopeful eyes. But that hope was dashed when he saw Stephen shake his head. "You told me you were going to get him out!" Connor yelled, his voice scratchy and weaker than he had expected. "You lied to me Stephen... you lied about Nick..." Connor's angry shouting was cut off as a coughing fit laid hold and he leaned against the wall, trying to keep himself from slumping completely to the floor.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen sighed, he had figured Connor wouldn't like that he was coming for him without Nick. He walked over and knelt down, slowly reaching out to put a hand on Connor's shoulder as he fought against the coughing fit. "Hey... easy there... I'm going to get Nick out of here. I just have to get you out of here first." Stephen looked down at Connor, the concern in his eyes darkening. This was not going to be easy trying to get him out of here quickly. "You have to be first. We're out of time."
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"What... what do you mean... out of time?" Connor asked when he was finally able to speak again. "Helen and Leek, they're putting their plan into action," Stephen said simply. "Which means they have no use for me" Connor said softly, realizing what that meant. And the nod from Stephen confirmed that. "So... now or never then I guess?"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Now or never," Stephen said with a small nod, his face grim. "Leek will be here soon. And I don't think either of us want to be here when he does." Stephen looked at Connor and then held a hand out to him. He still wouldn't have been surprised if Connor spat in his face and refused his offer. He knew he could never earn back his trust after what he had done, what he had helped Helen do. But if Connor could deal with him, just enough to get him out, that was all Stephen could dare hope for. "Let's get you out of here, Connor."
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor hesitated a moment, his mind still confused about all this, but he also knew he had no choice but to trust Stephen at this point. He would either die in the cell or at the hands of Leek guaranteed. So even a slim chance of escape with Stephen was something he had to try. Connor looked up at Stephen and gave a small nod as he reached out his unbroken hand and grabbed hold. He felt his head spin and he thought he would pass out from the pain and the movement as he stood, but Stephen's arm around him, kept him upright. "Alright... let's... let's get out.. of here..." he gasped, suddenly terrified at how weak he felt and how much it hurt just to be upright.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter wasn’t sure how long it had been since he had arrived at the lab, since Helen had given him the injection but he was starting to feel even more tired and the pain was returning even stronger but he didn’t want to draw attention to himself. He tried to focus on his calculations, to work on creating that link to the stable future anomaly but every now and then he had to stop as bursts of pain trickled through.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen noticed that Nick seemed more withdrawn and pale than he had been in recent days, "is there an issue with the calculations?" she asked, trying to ascertain if Nick was second guessing himself or having doubts about his role. "Can we create a stable link to the future anomaly?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter just nodded, barely registering Helen was there, "I can do it," he said softly, "it might take me a bit of time," he added, "the equations are a lot more complex than I realised,"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	At about that same time, Stephen and Connor were making their way out of the dark and winding hallway and into one of the main corridors of the warehouse. Stephen knew they had to hurry, that as soon as the final calculations were made and Helen had locked onto the future anomaly they would be gone. He adjusted his hold on Connor and pulled his arm a little farther over his shoulder as they made their way toward the lab. He was both dreading the conflict and hoping he was right that they had not already jumped through the anomaly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor hated how weak he was, how much energy just staying upright was taking. He hadn't taken more than a dozen steps at one time in nearly a week. It was absolutely exhausting and despite his attempt to only lean on Stephen a little, he was quickly finding himself shifting more weight onto him as they went. "You... sure Nick... is... here?" he gasped out as they went. "He should be," Stephen said, not wanting to vocalize what it meant if he wasnt- that they had likely lost him for good.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter’s hands were throbbing and he needed to take a break from his calculations, he had definitely missed the serum that Helen had injected him with and now he was finding it difficult to concentrate. He took that moment to look up at the windows and froze when he saw Connor and Stephen. He had to be imagining things … this wasn’t possible.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor knew they had to be getting close. They had to. He wasn't sure how much farther he could go without a rest. And he knew that was something they couldn't afford just then. As he and Stephen turned the corner he happened to look up. Connor's feet froze in place, everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as he came to a stop, almost getting dragged along by Stephen before he realized they had stopped moving. Connor faintly heard Stephen talking, asking him... something... Connor had no idea what it was. All he knew was the sight in front of him was one he could hardly believe. "Nick?" he whispered, his voice catching in his throat. The next instant he was letting go of Stephen and heading right for the lab that was in front of them. It didn't matter that Helen was there. All that mattered was the figure his eyes were locked upon as he started staggering forward. "Nick!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	For a moment Cutter couldn’t breath, he stared blankly at Connor and then realised he was moving towards him, suddenly a burst of energy came from nowhere and he was running as fast as he could to the door, where Connor was. “Connor!” he yelled, the adrenalin forcing him to keep running despite the pain, if he stopped he might not get to Connor. Then he was sobbing and throwing his arms around Connor and he was pretty sure he was never going to let go again.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor had half expected his arms to go through Cutter when he reached out for him. To find it was all just a dream, a hallucination, his mind playing tricks on him. But they didn't. He was real, he was really there. He clung to Cutter, everything else fading away at that moment. His body was trembling from the exhaustion, the pain, the adrenaline and the relief he thought he would never feel again. "Nick... it's really you.... Nick..." He just kept repeating that over and over trying to make himself believe that he actually had him in his arms again.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter clung tightly to Connor, afraid that if he let go then Connor would disappear and be gone. He sobbed against Connor's shoulder. You didn't really need to breathe did you Connor, Cutter kept his arms around tights him, as he kept sobbing. "I thought ..." for a moment he couldn't breath as the realisation flooded him that Connor was not dead, that he was here, that he had been tricked ... he was so very tired but he had Connor again, Stephen had saved him ... oh god ... he had thought Stephen was responsible for Connor's death. "You're here ... I'm really here Connor,"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen had let go of Connor as soon as he started running towards Cutter. And he stood watching the reunion from where he was his eyes moving from them over to Helen. He narrowed his eyes as he glared at her, a look of anger, betrayal, and pain in his eyes. He had so wanted to believe her. But all of it had been a lie, a grand act. Everything he had done, it was all based on lies and deception.... and Stephen didn't know if he could ever forgive himself for what he had allowed Helen to do.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen watched the scene unfold ... her eyes made contact with Stephen and she knew that at that moment he was rejecting her. Cutter was rejecting her and even Connor had rejected her. She stared, furious that it was all unravelling when they were so close. She had to think of something fast and fast.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor didn't have a clue about the silent exchange that was going on between Helen and Stephen. All he knew was that Cutter was there... he was alive... and he was actually there in his arms. He winced at the pain as Cutter clung to him, but he only clung all the more tightly in return. "I... I thought you... you were dead... that you... you were gone...." he said, his voice coming in short spurts between sobs as he burrowed his face against Cutter's neck. "I thought I had lost you, Nick..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter closed his eyes as a fresh wave of tears started flowing, and he had to open them to blink them back, "I ...she told me you were dead," he managed to choke out as he clung as tight as he could to Connor, still not wanting to let go, "I ... I ... I believed her ... oh god ..." He paled even more when the impact of what he was about to do hit him and he felt nauseated, "oh god ... I ... I'm so sorry," he sobbed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's ok, Nick..." Connor said softly. "You didn't know... Helen lied to us both..." he said as he looked up over Cutter's shoulder, meeting Helen's gaze. He wanted to glare back, to yell and scream at her, but all he felt was a terrified shiver run through him just then. "I'm here... we're together again... that's all that matters" Connor said as held Cutter close, the pain flaring angrily just then but he pushed it down. All that mattered was Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn’t breathe, he tried to take deep slow breaths but his thoughts were going at a million miles per hour, “She. Lied. To. Me!” he gasped out angrily, his accent becoming more noticeable, “I …she. hurt. you!” Hot angry tears filled his eyes as he trembled against Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know... I know, Nick..." Connor said, realizing two things in that instant as he tried to keep himself and Cutter from falling to the floor in a trembling heap. One- he didn't think he had ever heard that Angry Scottsman accent that clearly before. And two- he didn't know if he was ever going to be able to let go of Cutter. "Helen lied and manipulated all of us," Stephen said coldly from where he stood, finally speaking up for the first time.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter startled, he had almost forgotten about Stephen ….Stephen who had rescued Connor and reunited them. Stephen who he had blamed for Connor’s death, still clinging onto Connor, he hobbled around so that he could face Helen. “WHY?” he yelled, “WHY DID YOU DO THIS? I BELIEVED YOU!” Sorry to everyone’s eardrums in the room.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen gripped tightly on her knife as she stared from Nick to Connor to Stephen. “I did it for us Nick…so that we can have that future we talked about, it’s not late, join me, come with me to the future and I’ll let Connor and Stephen go,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's over Helen," Connor said still wincing slightly from the pain as he held onto Cutter still. "Give it up, You've lost!" He know that was likely going to just make Helen angrier but honestly he didn't care at that moment.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen winced at hearing Cutter slip into angry Scottish mode. He had heard it a few times before and it was really the only time he was actually afraid of Cutter. He stood and watched in silence, eyes moving from Helen to Cutter not sure of what to do. If either one of them made a move for the other it was likely not going to end well.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn’t believe what he was hearing, that Helen still had the nerve to try and convince him to join her. “Join you?” he scoffed, lowering his voice, which sounded even more terrifying with his accent. Helen actually flinched but Cutter continued, “you’re absolutely deluded Helen, if you think I’m going to join you now after what you did us …I actually feel sorry for you,”
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen knew she had no chance now …everything was falling apart and she had to make her getaway but she wasn’t going down without a fight. “So be it,” she spat and grabbed her knife, she started to run directly at them.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen cursed under his breath as he saw that look in Helen's eyes. The look of a cornered animal. He knew all too well what Helen was capable of when she was like this, and without even really thinking about what he was doing, he ran at Helen, closing the distance between her and Cutter and Connor, trying to get between them. "Helen... stop this... it's over!" He was unarmed so he knew this likely wasn't going to go well for him but as he got himself between Helen and her target he reached out to try and grab her hand and wrestle the knife away from her.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen let out a primal scream as she tried to push past Stephen to her intended prey, she roared as she slashed and pushed frantically to push Stephen out of the way and then brought her knife down on his cheek hard.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	He probably should have been thankful she didn't end up catching him on his arm or something. But the face was bad enough as he cried out and the pain flashed through him making him close his eyes against his will as he staggered back under the force of her impact against him as he went down. He tried to call out to Cutter and Connor but he couldn't against the pain.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor watched in horror as Helen attacked Stephen and how easily he went down. He knew what Helen could be capable of with that knife, and now they were getting a first-hand demonstration of it. "Stephen!" he cried out as he watched Stephen fall with a sickening thud to the ground. Connor tried to stand up fully, to move to get between Helen and Cutter, but he couldn't make himself move, his body was frozen in pain and fear.
Helen(itsananomaly)	There was now one less obstacle in her way and Helen resumed her frantic slashing and stabbing, she knew Connor was incredibly close but she wanted to savour that one and she knew she could still get Nick to join her, she just had to be even more persuasive. She changed course at the last minute and that was when the knife went directly into Cutter's upper left thigh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The pain exploded around him, by now the effects of the healing serum had started to wear off and the knife wound was the latest in a long line of injuries. Cutter didn't know if he screamed or not, he couldn't hear anything for a while, only feel that numbing pain and then he felt himself going limp and he started to slide to the ground.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor heard himself cry out as he watched Helen change course and stab Cutter, but he had no idea what he said. He felt Cutter go limp in his arms as he started to fall. Connor held onto him tightly as he dropped to the ground with him, making sure Cutter didn't just collapse in a heap. His heart was racing and he felt the panic start to set in as he looked at the wound on Cutter's leg, and tried to check to make sure he was alright. But there wasn't much time for that he knew. Helen was not going to wait and so reluctantly he let go of Cutter and stood, the best that he could, trying to pull himself to full height as he turned and faced Helen. "Stop this Helen..." he gasped trying to keep the edge of pain and exhaustion out of his voice. "Just give up and... we'll make sure Lester goes easy on you."
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen just laughed coldly at that, "oh I've seen Lester's definition of 'going easy', I'll pass thank you," she twirled her knife tauntingly as she looked hungrily at Connor, "now where was I ... oh yes," and then she brought her knife to Connor's chest and slashed hard, aiming to do as much damage as she could. "That was for taking Nick away," she spat.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor couldnt help the scream that escaped his lips as Helen slashed at him. He felt himself fall back from the force of the blow an Helen pushing past. As he fell landing hard on his back he blacked out for a moment as his head hit the ground hard. The last thing he remembered seeing before he did was Helen's back as she ran out the door and disappeared down the hallway.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Connor..." Cutter moaned weakly, trying to crawl over to him but found that he just did not have the strength to move, "Connor?" he forced himself to half slide on the ground, letting out a scream of pain as he tried to get to him. "Please, no ... Connor ...?" with a trembling hand he tried to reach out to him, biting back another scream as his broken hands throbbed. again.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen tried to get to his feet in time to get to Helen but he couldn't as he staggered a bit as he started to run forward, hand on his cheek against the pain. "Damnit..." he cursed as he watched Helen disappear down the hall. He turned his attention to Connor as he got to his feet and ran over, dropping to his feet beside Connor and Cutter. "Hey, Connor... Connor!" he said as he pulled him close and checked him over. "He's alright Nick... He's alive. He'll... he'll be fine." Stephen shifted his attention over to Cutter as he reached out and pulled an arm around his shoulder to help him sit up and get him closer to Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was still for a few minutes before he jerked awake, trying to sit up but getting knocked back by the pain. He lay there gasping for breath as he looked from Cutter to Stephen, trying to push back the pain. "Wha... Where... Helen?" "She's gone," Stpehen said glancing at the doorway, but he was pretty sure Helen was gone and wasn't going to risk coming back at them. "Can you get up? We gotta get going. There are bigger dangers here than even Helen." "What... are you..." Connor groaned as he got up right, glancing down at the nasty slice running across his chest and then over to Stephen and Cutter, taking in their injuries as well. "What could be worse than Helen?" "Future Predators," Stephen said grimly. "She and Leek have predators here."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter winced, he had completed forgotten about Leek in all of his anger with Helen and then her frenzied stabbing spree to get away. He glanced down at the wound in his leg, "um ... I don't think I'm going to be able to stand," he said softly, since his feet were now hurting again and it hurt to put pressure on them.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen considered Cutter and then Connor. Both of them were a mess. Cutter moreso but not by much all things considered. He thought for a moment then stood and moved to Cutter and bent down, grabbing him with an arm around his waist and hoisting him to his feet the best he could without hurting him too much. "I'll support ya best I can Nick, but you're gonna have to help me a little alright?" Stephen then turned his attention back to Connor as he held his other hand out to help him up. "And you, lean as much as you need alright? It's not too much further to go." Stephen hoped he sounded more optimistic than he felt. Yes it wasn't far but they had to get past Leek wherever he was lurking and they had to make sure none of the predators got out.... But one problem at a time. They had to get out of the lab and as they started hobbling towards the door, Stephen hoped he would be able to keep going long enough to get them out.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	It had only been a few minutes since Helen's attack, and Stephen was already starting to lose his stamina and his strength. Essentially dragging Cutter along with him through the hallway, with Connor leaning on him now and then when the pain got to be too much... it was taking a lot out of him. And there had been no sign of Leek yet, which should have been a comfort to Stephen but he knew that the man wouldn't give up on his power grab so easily. He was likely still lurking somewhere... and that was a very unnerving thought.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was trying really hard to not lean all of his weight on Stephen but he was in so much pain that it was all he could do to lift his head up, "how ... how much further?" he managed to ask, gasping at how much effort even asking that simple question took.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Not.... much further," Stephen said through gritted teeth. He tightened his hold around Cutter's waist for a moment as he let go of his arm for a minute to steady Connor a bit as they went. They left the narrow winding hallways and entered another more open area and Stephen tried to get his bearings for a moment. As he did, the dimness was replaced by a near-blinding light that was like a dagger to his already pounding head.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor winced from the pain and the shock of the sudden brightness as he lifted a hand to shield his eyes. As his eyes adjusted he blinked against the bright lights and felt his heart sink. "Leek...." he said as he stared at the man now standing before them, that smug insufferable grin still planted on his face.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Bravo" Leek said with a mock round of applause as he walked closer. "I must say, I am very, very impressed you all made it this far."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter let out a moan as he tried to keep up right, leaning heavily against Stephen as he did, "Leek ..." he trembled, "what possible use could you have for us now? It's over,"
Leek(thearcfamily)	"See, that is where the difference between Helen and myself becomes unfortunately clear," Leek said as he walked over, a delighted smile on his face as he started slowly circling the trio. "She knows enough about the anomalies to be dangerous. She can likely punch random coordinates and fiddle enough to find her way to her precious future anomaly. Until she does, however, I need a plan B, which thankfully because you are still alive, makes it very easy on me. So, thank you for that!"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Give it up Leek," Connor gasped as he let go of Stephen so he could focus on Cutter. "You failed, it's over! You've lost. If you... think Helen's coming...coming back for you, well.... I feel sorry for you if you honestly believe that."
Leek(thearcfamily)	"You underestimate the power of persuasion when innocent lives are caught up in the crossfire," Leek said with a sneer. "Unfortunately your friends, have not been too cooperative. Oh, that's right, you didn't know your team from the ARC were here." Leek gave a sigh and rolled his eyes. "Unfortunately, for me anyways, they managed to escape. But at least I still have you two" he said eyeing Cutter and Connor with a wicked grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter closed his eyes, a million different emotions flooding through him, from horror that the rest of his team had been captured, relief that they'd gotten away and then despair that they were well and truly on their own, "Lester won't negotiate for us, you're wasting your time," he eventually said, resigning himself to his fate.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	So they had gotten his text. They had come for Cutter and Connor, but that rescue attempt had obviously failed. "Oliver, let them go" Stephen said as he turned and nodded to Connor as he let go of Cutter, letting him take over. "If you are looking for someone to test your precious predators on, use me."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter's eyes widened at what , "no Stephen, no ... please, you don't have to do this, don't throw your life away for us, Leek won't let us go ...you still have a chance to get away,"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen looked over at Cutter and gave him a small, almost sad smile. "Get away and do what, Nick? There's no life for me after this if I'm the only one to walk away... Not after all that's happened..." Stephen was interrupted by Leek. "As touching as this is, that is not how this is going to go down. If you want to die, by all means, you are welcome to die along with them. But Connor and Cutter will die unless Lester comes to his senses," Leek said as he punched a couple of buttons on the tablet in his hands.
Lester(thearcfamily)	A moment later and Lester appeared on the screen, "Leek what a surprising turn of events, I had rather been expecting your call, have you called to negotiate your surrender, I'm sure there's a nice maximum security cell with your name on it somewhere ... you'll like it, isolated, 3 square meals a deal, an hour for exercise,"
Leek(thearcfamily)	"Typical of you Lester. All hot air and nothing to back it up," Leek said. "I want you to call your men off, I know you are trying to pull something but it won't work. I don't think you would be willing to risk the life of two of your best team members now would you?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	There was a blink and you miss it flicker of concern as Lester tried to appear indifferent to Leek's threats, "you should know as well as anyone Leek that the British government does not negotiate with terrorists, you're wasting everyone's time here,"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Don't do it James," Cutter pleaded, calling Lester by his name for the first time since he had first ended up working for him, "we're ..." it was here that he looked at Connor, the silent apology evident on his face, "we're not worth it, don't do as he says,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor knew that look and he understood the meaning behind it. He gave Cutter a silent nod as he tightened his hold on him, trying to stay on his feet at that point. They were going to die here. They had managed to make it this far, this long and this was where they were going to meet their end? Connor knew Lester couldn't give in to Leek's demands. He knew that their lives were not worth risking the lives of every person in the UK, in the world potentially. But it was still heartbreaking to realize that.
Leek(thearcfamily)	"I don't think I have made myself clear," Leek said the frustration evident in his voice at not being taken seriously in his threat. "Accept the terms I sent or you can watch as your precious Nick Cutter and Connor Temple are ripped apart by the predators, joint by joint!" Leek paused and then started counting. You have ten seconds, James. Nine... eight...."
Lester(thearcfamily)	“Gentlemen it’s been an honour,” Lester told them crisply, the closest thing to showing emotion that he would get and also telling Leek that he wasn’t going to give into his demands.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor held onto Cutter tightly, the strength going out of him as he felt Cutter's weight start to pull him to the floor. As he knelt there, arms wrapped around Cutter, he looked over at Stephen. He wanted to say something, but there were no words and he closed his eyes, leaning his head against Cutters as he tried to block out the sounds of Leek's countdown.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter lost all his strength at the moment as he leaned into Connor’s arms, closing his eyes as the final death knell edged ever so closer. “I love you Connor,” he whispered.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen stood behind them, watching, hearing Leeks' countdown continuing. And when Connor's choked "I love you Nick" hit his ears, Stephen knew he had to do something. Glancing around, his eyes fell on a piece of discarded pipe lying on the floor near his feet. Without even thinking, he bent down and grabbed it up. As he heard Leek hit "two" he ran across the room, pipe raised in his hand and sent it into the control panel on the wall. A shower of sparks went out and the jolt sent him flying back, skidding across the ground a bit as the power flickered and finally went out.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter flinched at the sound of the sparks as he turned his head slightly and watched in horror as Stephen was sent flying back, "Stephen!" he managed to get out and then realised with a sinking feeling what the power going out meant and looked nervously at Connor and Stephen, they had to move but none of them were really in positions to be able to move quickly.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen picked himself up, shaking his head against the ringing in his ears as he ran back to Cutter and Connor. "Alight, by my calculations we need to be out of here three minutes ago," he said as he knelt down and grabbed Cutter and hoisted him back up the best that he could. Stephen looked over at Connor the silent question evident in his eyes. Connor gave a small nod and he bit back a cry of pain as he stood. Stephen didn't like their chances to be honest, but at least they had a chance again, which was more than they had two minutes ago. So, half carrying half dragging Cutter along with him and trying to help Connor stay upright as they went, Stephen lead them out into the hallway, Leek's screams echoing loudly as his precious predators finished him off.