The ARC - Saturday, London

[itsananomaly]

It had been a long and difficult process both mentally and physically but the day had finally happened when Connor and Cutter had been cleared to return to field work and they’d been invited to sit in on their first team meeting to get brought up to speed on what had been happening over the last few months as well as additional day to day ARC operations that Lester wanted to brief the whole team on as part of their normal meetings. It felt weird sitting back at the table in Lester’s office, Cutter had thought that he would never be back here and while the idea of being out in the field still terrified him, it felt good to be cleared to return. His hand went to the dog chains around his neck, clutching them for reassurance. “It’s really nice to be back here, to be part of the team again,” he smiled. [and so begins the next canon update! preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sat next to Cutter at the table. It was odd but also nice to be back, back to something familiar. Connor was glad they had been cleared to return to work at the ARC and he was glad Lester had reassured them they could stay more behind the scenes for a bit if they wanted and they could work their way into field work again. It was going to be a process but it was nice to be back with the team Especially after everything that had happened. Some semblance of normalcy felt good. And Connor couldn't help the smile that spread across his face as he looked over at Cutter and then around the table.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter returned that smile as he noticed Connor look over his way briefly and then he took a moment to glance down at the folder of information that had been placed in front of everyone. He took the chance to go through the folder, to see what notes Lester had made for their meeting before Lester arrived to start the meeting. He was nervous about this but also really excited for the chance to get back to something that felt ... well normal.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor followed suite and started flipping through the folder and papers. It looked like a lot of the usual stuff- anomaly incursion updates, cover story notes, and Connor couldn't help but look over at Cutter's Connor with a small grin at the page about the latest updates to the ADD and the anomaly Hub. It did feel good to have something familiar like this back and a part of his life again. "Never thought I would be siting here ever again to be honest" he said, his fingers absently playing with the dog tags around his neck as he looked around the room.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he read up on some of the incursions the team had encountered while they'd been gone, "it ... it still feels a bit surreal," he added softly, he went to the next page and read up, "you really weren't exaggerating about how quickly these incursions have been happening," he looked over at Jenny, "any luck on finding out why they have been happening more frequently?" he had skimmed the notes but he couldn't see any theories in the report. Just then the door to Lester's office opened and Lester stepped in with an arm full of notes and folders, he was followed by Becker. "Good everyone's here," and he smiled warmly at everyone, "and first of all, welcome back Nick and Connor," and yes it was an official work meeting and normally he would address everyone more formally but this was a special occasion and he wanted to make note of it.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor also noted the lengthy list of recent anomalies and creature incursions. It made him feel a little uneasy as he looked through the papers and notes. He was about to ask Abby and Connor if there was any indication from the ADD system about what was causing the increase. But just then the door to the office opened. Connor gave Becker a warm smile and nodded to Lester. He didn't want to make a big deal of being back, but it did feel nice to be back and to be welcomed back by the entire team like they were. "Thanks, Lester... everyone... it's nice to be back."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Cutter smiled at that, relaxing slightly, “Thank you James, everyone,” he echoed Connor’s words, “it’s really nice to be here,” Lester smiled at Cutter and Connor and then took his place to start the meeting, “I trust every has had a chance to go over the folder? With everything that has been happening with the day to day operations of the ARC and the anomaly incursions?”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"There really do seem to be a lot of them lately" Connor noted as he looked over at Becker. He had seen in the notes that things were so busy and the team stretched so much that Becker was heading out on nearly every incursion call with the rest of the team now."Do we think these are just normal fluxes and we are just seeing it like this for the first time? Or is there any indication of it being something else causing the increase in anomalies?"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	“So far nothing seems to indicate that there’s anything that causing these anomalies,” Jenny spoke up, “it seems to all be happening naturally,” Cutter frowned, “an increase of one or two I would expect if it was natural,” he looked over at Connor, “but this feels like someone could be tampering with the anomalies,” He didnt want to voice his fear that this sounded like something Helen would do.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor bit his lip slightly. All the talk about controlling and manipulating the anomalies, it was bringing up some bad memories he was trying very hard to forget. "Have we detected anyone else messing with the anomalies?" Connor asked, looking over at Becker. "Has anyone been seen around the anomalies that shouldn't be there?" "Nothing aside from the normal civilians who mostly want to get away from them" Becker said shaking his head. "We've had a few reporters and the like try and get the scoop of the decade but that's nothing new really."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“There was one reporter in particular who was trying to get the scoop but I’ve managed to put a lid on it for now “ Jenny told them. Cutter went very quiet, he had given Helen all sorts of codes and calculations , had she used them after all in her attempt to get to the future anomaly. “Okay …what about the anomalies themselves?” he finally asked, “have they been different? Size or shape?” he was trying to determine if there was a pattern.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"The anomalies themselves seem pretty standard, at least from what has been seen so far" Becker said. "Still seem to be random as to where they pop up. Sometimes it's a populated area; other times it's the middle of nowhere. But there are definitely more of them and..." Becker went quiet for a moment as he looked around the table, his eyes meeting Lester's in a silent question. Lester nodded and Becker continued, his face worried despite his best efforts to hide it. "And some of the anomalies seem to be opening up to the future, rather than the past."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	And that was what Cutter was afraid of, he slumped down in his chair a little … Helen had used his calculations, he’d helped her and now the entire country, maybe the world was at risk. He didn’t say anything at first as he processed that … what that information meant and he realised he couldn’t think of anything to say, anything to fix the damage he’d caused, “oh…” he said quietly, not able to meet anyone’s gaze and he stared down at the folder, fighting a lump that had formed in his throat.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor felt his heart drop a little at that revelation. He swallowed hard, one single fear jumping to the front of his mind at that moment. "Has... has Helen been... been seen anywhere?" he asked barely above a whisper. He knew Nick had been with Helen when he and Stephen had found them and that she had been manipulating and coercing him to try and get him to help her. But the bigger fear in his mind was just that this had Helen written all over it. And if Helen was involved, it meant.... Connor closed his eyes and tried to push the fear down. "Do we know where Helen is?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester watched Nick and Connor’s reactions, he knew what this news would mean to them and he didn’t blame them for being afraid and upset. “We haven’t been able to find Helen,” Lester admitted, glancing over at Becker, “even after all this time … she’s gone off the grid, we think she’s hiding out in one of these future anomalies but they’ve been too unstable for anyone to go through to try and find her,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"The anomalies have always been a little difficult to calculate as far as how long they will stay open" Becker said. "But the ones that seem to be from the future, they hardly stay open for long at all. I think an hour or so is the longest we have seen so far. Which... is good in a way because nothing (or no one) has come through a future anomaly yet. But it's making it hard for us to get any real data on them to figure out why they are showing up so often."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter bit his lip, at least that was something … Helen hadn’t been able to completely figure out his codes and calculations but … it was only a matter of time before she did or she would go after him and Connor again and he didn’t want to put Connor in any more danger. “If … um this is Helen, she will most likely figure out how to get the anomalies to stay open longer … or … or …” he had trouble saying this next part, “she’ll come after me again … after us …” he hesitated, chancing a glance at Connor, “I … “ His voice trialed off uncertainly and he looked around the room, unable to meet anyone’s gaze ..
Christine(thearcfamily)	At that moment a woman in a smart blouse and long black skirt came walking into the room, her hair done up in a smart bun, she was flanked by two military men, “well … well well this is very cozy,” she smirked as she looked around the room, “hello James, good to see you again,” When no one was saying anything, she looked disappointed, “come now, James … surely you’re going to introduce you me to your group, after all we’re going to be spending so much time with each other these next few weeks,” her gaze flickered over to Cutter and Connor and rested on them. Lester sighed, “everyone, this is Christine Johnson, she’s going to be our new military liaison officer,” Christine shook her head at that her, “Oh I’m going to be so much more than that James, I’ve also been tasked with investigating your team, I do believe two of your members committed treason … the government doesn’t take kindly to treason James, you know that,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor had been about to say something to try and calm Cutter down a little. But now he was just staring in surprise, a fear slowly creeping over him as the words Christine had said slowly started to sink in. There was no doubt whom she was referring to, and Connor felt like her eyes were staring right through him when she looked over at him. Without even thinking about it, Connor's hand went out and grabbed Cutter's under the table. This wasn't good and Connor felt his heart thumping in his chest as he looked over at Lester.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	For a moment Cutter couldn’t breathe, he clutched Connor’s hand as he reached for his and tried to give a reassuring squeeze but he clung just a bit to tightly as he tried to stop himself from trembling … the last thing he wanted to do was show this woman just how afraid he was. Of how much danger he and Connor were in… they had technically committed treason, even if it had been under mental duress but something told him that this Christine woman wasn’t going to take that into account. He looked over at Lester with a panicked look and then back to Christine. He couldn’t think of what to say, his mind had gone blank … Luckily Lester was prepared, “Connor, Nick … neither of you say anything,” he said and he stood up, straightening his suit, “is this really necessary Christine?” Christine smirked, pleased to see how rattled everyone looked, “we’re in your office after all James, you really should have scheduled your meetings better … looks like your team isn’t the only thing that needs straightening out,” she drawled.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor bit his lip slightly, his own hand in a near death-grip on Cutter's. He didn't like this. Whoever this Christine woman really was, she already seemed to be solely focused on him and Cutter, and that unnerved him quite a bit. "I'm sure if there are grounds for that sort of accusations," Becker said as he stepped forward and stood beside Lester, emphasizing the word 'if' as he did "I'm sure the proper channels will be pursued. There are protocols to follow after all."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was grateful for that near death grip on his hand because he was absolutely sure that he would start shaking right then, as it was his knees started trembling under the table and he couldn't stop them. Christine spotted the trembling and smiled, it wasn't a nice smile and then her gaze flickered back to Becker, "of course, we want everything by the books don't we?" she smiled sweetly, "after all treason carries a life sentence, maximum security but then Connor and Cutter have had recent experiences with cells haven't they?" She let that sink in, enjoying how uncomfortable she was making everyone feel, "and Becker wasn't it? I've read your file, after this if you're looking for work, my team could use a good solder like you," the way she said it, heavily implying that everyone was going to be out of work if not potentially facing jail sentences of their own.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker squared his shoulders a bit as he glanced at Lester quickly then back to Christine as he spoke. "I appreciate the offer Ma'am, but I will have to decline," Becker said politely yet somewhat coldly. "I think this talk is getting a bit ahead of ourselves here" he said still keeping his gaze on Christine, his gaze drifting to the men standing with her. "Talk of treason and all... seems a bit unfounded for such a serious claim" he said.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled sweetly, “Well I’m sure we’ll be seeing plenty of each other in the future, if you change your mind,” she added, glancing down at the file she was holding, “and as it happens, I’ve got all the evidence I need for my claims, Professor Cutter willingly helped his wife commit treason against the government, I’ve seen the footage, there’s a complete rundown in there for you to read, I’m sure it will satisfy my claims that a treason investigation is warranted,” she handed the file to Becker. Cutter’s stomach dropped … there was footage of that? He glanced nervously over at Connor…this was so very bad.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor felt like he was going to be sick. If there was footage of Nick in the lab working with Helen and Stephen... then there was likely footage of him surrendering his tech and gear to them. And if there was footage of Helen or even Stephen with the ARC gear and anomaly tech he had had, then Christine would probably try to argue he was working with them as well... And if they linked the future anomalies to Helen, and to the ARC tech, that would put treason charges on him as well... This was really bad. Connor opened his mouth to say something. He didn't know what and no words came out when he did. But even if he had been able to, a quick glance from Lester told him saying anything was the last thing he wanted or needed to do just then. So he bit his lip and tried to push down that fear. He faintly heard someone talking, but he didn't know who it was or even what they were saying... everything seemed to be moving in slow motion just then. Connor gave a small jump as he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Lester and Becker standing behind him and Nick just then.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re bluffing Christine,” Lester said calmly as he stood behind Nick and Connor with Becker, “you would have already arrested them if you had what you needed,” Christine just smiled, “now, now James you know I could just declare that they’re threats to national security and have them detained regardless of what evidence I have …this will all be so much easier if they came with me now for questioning,” He placed a hand on Connor and Nick’s shoulders, “they’re not going with you,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor dropped his gaze, unable to look at Christine anymore, her gaze seeming to bore right into him. This couldn't be happening. Things were finally starting to look up... things were finally starting to get back to normal... and now this? "They aren't going anywhere with you" Becker reiterated, putting a hand to his hip where his weapon was as he narrowed his gaze at the armed men standing beside Christine.
Lester(thearcfamily)	At seeing Becker move his hand closer to his weapon, the military men escorting her made a good show of getting their weapons ready in case it was going to turn into a shootout. “Oh are we going to have to do this the hard way?” Christine grinned, “oh good, I don’t like it when there’s not much of a fight … I should warn all of you though,” and here she glanced around the group, making sure she met everyone’s gaze, “I always get what I want … you will all be begging me for mercy when I’m through with you, I’m going to make your lives very uncomfortable … this is your last chance for Professor Cutter and Mr. Temple to come willingly with me,” Cutter shifted uncomfortably in his seat … maybe he should just confess everything, make a deal to say it was all his fault that Connor had nothing to do with it … take the blame for everything … it would spare everyone in the team from Christine going after them. He opened his mouth to say something but then the hand on his shoulder tightened, he winced a little at the pain but he knew that was a warning from Lester not to say anything and reluctantly he obeyed. “Captain Becker, please escort Ms. Johnson and her men out of my office, we’re done here,” Lester said stiffly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Aye Sir," Becker said as he took a step towards Christine and her men, giving them the chance to start moving back before giving a nod towards the door. "I do believe we are done here" he said coldly, keeping his hand where it was as he watched Christine and her men closely. And only when they started to turn towards the door did Becker drop his hand. And much to Christine's apparent displeasure, he followed them out of the office, not trusting her at all to actually leave the ARC without a fuss. He gave a nod to Lester, letting him know he would be back once their unwanted guests were escorted out of the building.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter hardly dared to breathe until he was certain Christine was out of the office and out of earshot, he slumped in his chair, his thoughts racing … what where they going to do? Christine was right … they had committed treason, he looked over at Connor with a panicked look, “I’m sorry,” he said softly, “I … I didn’t think it was going to come to this,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor watched Becker as he left and once the sound of his footsteps faded and he was sure Christine was gone, at least for the time being, he ran his hands through his head. Only then did he realize just how much his hands were trembling. This was bad. This was very, very bad. "What... what are we going to do, James?" he asked, the fear hitting him so hard he actually used Lester's first name.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester was very quiet, he knew based on Connor calling him James … something he had never done before, he knew just how terrified Nick and Connor were and he didn’t blame them. He wasn’t sure how he could get them out of this one, he had only ever had a few interactions with Christine and it was those that made him stay clear of her, she was power hungry and determined to get what she wanted … at the expense of everyone around her and he knew what a coup this would be for her … finding two traitors working for the government, especially someone of Nick’s reputation. “I …” for the first time he didn’t have an answer, he stared at Connor and Nick helplessly, his false bravado slipping away now that Christine was gone and she couldn’t see just how terrified he was. “I don’t know,” The three words sounded hollow and even though he had spoken them softly, they seemed to echo around the room.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor felt what little air there still was in is lungs escape him as he heard Lester sound so lost and defeated. He stared down at his hands, unable to say anything. It wasn't until Becker retuned a few minutes later he was even able to look up. "Our unwanted guests have been escorted off the premises," Becker said as he walked into the office and closed the door. He looked around the room and the somber mood he had been expecting. "So," he said looking at Lester and seeing that helpless look. "We're going to need a plan to deal with Christine and her goons," he said, knowing how desperate the situation was but wanting to keep the team going and keep them focused on dealing with this rather than giving into the fear.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter bit his lip, “I should hand myself in, stop this from going any further, no one else has to get hurt … I’ve caused enough trouble, I committed treason, I willingly helped Helen …maybe I can get a plea deal … if it goes before a court … they’ll side with Christine …I don’t want anyone else to go down with me,” he stared down at his gloved hands, not wanting to meet anyone’s gaze right then and then his hands started shaking and he couldn’t stop.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh like hell you are going to do that" Connor said looking over at Cutter in disbelief. "You know we arent going to let you do that. And something tells me... Christine isn't the type to stop, even if you did turn yourself in. She'd still come after me, after the team.... I... I don't think she plans to stop until she's succeeded."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter bit his lip at that, "but it may buy you more to find a way to stop her, if she got me ... it might stop her going after everyone or at least long enough for for you to come up with a plan to stop her," he said softly, even though he was now starting to think that this wasn't such a good idea but he was completely lost to what they were supposed to do. He finally looked over at Lester and Becker, "is there a way to stop her?" Lester hesitated, "I ... don't know, the woman's like a velociraptor, only better dressed," he snorted, "once she has something in her sights ... well ..." he rubbed the back of his neck, "If I had to guess what she's after, it's not you or Connor or the team, it's the ARC and she'll break everyone and everything to get there,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"So, as accessories to what she really wants, we all are likely targets to Christine," Becker said as he leaned against the edge of the table. "And she clearly has nerves of steal and absolutely no qualms about letting people know the power she has, or at least she thinks she has. She made no less than two more offers to me by the time I had them out of the building" he said with a sigh. "Do you think she has already contacted the Minister of Defense? or is this a ploy to try and get to us before she officially does anything?" Becker half asked half wondered out loud.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester sighed, "no one has said anything to me, as far as I'm aware the ARC is safe ... our positions are safe," he shook his head, "I just ... all this talk about treason ... I'd heard rumours but nothing that warranted a cause to be concerned ... Christine now changes everything ..." Cutter trembled, "so if I don't turn myself in ... what happens? How do we deal with Christine ..?" he took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady but failing.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We... we can figure something out right? She... she really doesn't have enough to charge us with treason... does she?" Connor asked, fighting against the fear and the panic that he felt rising inside.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter fidgeted slightly, "they might not have anything on you Connor," he said softly, "but just that video footage alone, that's enough to get me convicted of treason ...proof that I was working with Helen and Leek and Stephen, I gave her everything for those future anomalies ... I know it and Christine knows it ..." he trembled, rocking back and forth slightly as he tried to remember to breathe.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"If there's footage of you... then there's footage of the rest. I gave Helen and Stephen the tech, gave them access to prototypes and tech they didn't have. Helen's using that to control the anomalies..." Connor sighed as he closed his eyes. "She's doing what she's doing now... partly because of me. And Im sure that will be enough for Christine to grab onto. And I am sure she is going to try and downplay all the torture stuff too."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter bit his lip, he knew Connor was right that Christine would do anything to make the case against them, "then ... she's going to charge us isn't she? Especially if she decides to say we're threats to national security ... we'll end up in another cell and ..." he had to stop, his thoughts were racing too hard. He was trying to go through the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique that Becker had taught him but he was starting to get too overwhelmed at the thought of ending up in another cell and something told him that Christine wouldn't be content to just a straight confession ... that she would force it out of them.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester sighed, "no one has said anything to me, as far as I'm aware the ARC is safe ... our positions are safe," he shook his head, "I just ... all this talk about treason ... I'd heard rumours but nothing that warranted a cause to be concerned ... Christine now changes everything ..." Cutter trembled, "so if I don't turn myself in ... what happens? How do we deal with Christine ..?" he took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady but failing.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked over at Cutter, seeing clearly how panicked he was. And for the first time since everything had happened, Connor shifted closer and put his arm around Cutter, pulling him into a half hug. He looked over at Becker and Lester, not knowing what to say just then feeling his own panic start to build. "Thankfully, the decision is not Christine's alone" Becker said. "She had to make a case to the Ministry in order to bring up those kinds of charges. Which means we can still fight it and can still make a case ourselves."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter half collapsed against Connor as he pulled him into a half hug and let out a sob, hating how weak he was feeling ... he didn't want to go through this again. Lester watched Nick and Connor for a few moments and then nodded with what Becker was saying, "Captain Becker's right, Christine can't do anything without going to the ministry, I still have a lot of pull and favours, we're going to fight this ... we're not going to let her win,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"So... we keep fighting," Connor said softly, keeping his arm around Cutter as he took a slow, shaky breath, trying to keep himself as calm as possible. "We will fight this, every step of the way" Becker said with a nod. "Christine is just trying to better herself. We wont let her win."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"We're going to be with both you through all of this, no matter what she tries to pull," Lester assured them, "especially once we get a good idea of what her endgame is, we'll be able to throw everything we can at it." Cutter bit his lip, starting to calm down and feeling reassured as he did and leaned against Connor. He couldn't say anything but hearing Connor and Becker say that they would fight this, it filled him with hope that they could get through as much as it terrified him.