The ARC - Thursday, London

[itsananomaly]

It was the day of the interview and after being picked up and driven to the ARC, Christine arrived at 10:00 sharp and set up in an empty conference room to conduct her interviews. Cutter was trying to not show how nervous he was about this, he hadn’t slept much at all last night and he was pretty sure he was going to mess this up. Christine called Connor in to the room first, leaving Cutter to wait outside with Becker. Once Connor was facing opposite her at the table, she made a big show of taking out a recorder and placing it in the table. She turned it on and stared at Connor, she waited a few more minutes to make it even more uncomfortable, “tell me Mr. Temple do you know why you’re here?” [preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. CW for mentions of torture. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was trying hard not to show how nervous he was. He had had a near death grip on Cutter's hand as they sat waiting for Christine to arrive. And now sitting in the room, alone with Christine, even all the practice they had done with Becker seemed small compared to the daunting task ahead of him. Connor licked his lips slightly as he looked across the table at the recorder and then to Christine. "You said you had questions you wanted to ask me." He knew Christine was looking for more than that but he remembered what Becker had told them- say enough to give an answer if you can but don't offer anything else as you do. So, Connor sat there in the silence that followed, waiting for Christine's response.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine studied Connor thoughtfully, finally she accepted the answer and moved on, "what was your relationship to Helen Cutter and why was she so interested in kidnapping you as you and Professor Cutter claim?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"She... worked for the university. I... I only know her from working with Cutter." Connor dropped his gaze to his hands, unable to look at Christine. It felt like her eyes were looking right through him. "Helen kidnapped Professor Cutter and I. Because she wanted us to give her information about the work we do at the ARC."
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine made a big show of writing down some notes in her notebook, taking longer than what was necessary and then looked back up at Connor, "and what was the price of turning traitor against your country? What did Helen give you in exchange for helping her?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor flinched a little at how obviously leading that question was. He was glad Becker had made sure they were ready for a question like that. Slowly Connor took a deep breath and then looked up at Christine. "I didn't turn traitor. Helen kidnapped and tortured me for a week. She... nearly killed me because I wouldn't help her. The only thing Helen gave me were these scars" he said coldly, indicating the obvious scars and also lifting his gloved hand.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"You say you didn't turn traitor and yet we have the footage of her using ARC technology that she would have only gotten if you'd have handed them over," Christine smiled and it wasn't a nice smile as she looked at Connor intently, "you know what I think, I think this is all a ruse and you colluded with Helen and Professor Cutter to make it look like you'd been kidnapped, inflicted your own injuries ...I think Professor Cutter recruited you to join him and his wife ... you were clearly under his influence and I can help you Connor, you just need to tell me what Helen gave her husband in exchange for recruiting you and giving you the ARC technology,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Even though they had touched on questions like this before, hearing it, with that mocking tone and that look in Christine's eyes as she did, it almost made Connor lose his cool then and there. Instead, he took a moment to try and control his breathing and not let the emotions run away with him. "Any tech Helen had from the ARC was what she took from us. We gave her nothing willingly." Connor looked at Christine, holding her gaze the best he could."She tortured us for a week. You honestly think we inflicted these injuries ourselves? That I broke my own hand? Branded myself, including the bottom of my foot? And burned my neck like this? She did this because we wouldn't help her." Connor narrowed his eyes at Christine the anger finally slipping through a little. "If you really do have video like you say you have video of what she did to us" he said coldly before biting his lip to keep from saying anything else.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine’s expression gave nothing away as she watched Connor’s reaction, “I’ve read Helen’s file,” she said instead, not acknowledging the video comment, “you’d be surprised what people would believe nowadays, how easy it would be to paint a picture of a lost, broken boy in love with his Professor, willing to do anything that was asked of him, including torturing himself …after all, you’re hardly the first student to become enamoured with the Cutters are you?” she said sweetly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	The roller coaster of emotions that washed over Connor then was probably evident on his face despite his best effort to hide them. He bit his lip, fighting back the words he so desperately wanted to say. But he knew it would just give Christine more ammunition to work with and just make things harder. So Connor did his best to swallow it all down, the anger, the pain, the guilt, the memories, the trauma,and he took a shaky breath as he finally answered Christine, a soft but clear "No comment" falling from his lips as he dropped his gaze back down to his hands.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine was not surprised, actually if she was being honest, she was surprised it had taken this long for a 'no comment' and even though she felt a flush of annoyance, she was actually impressed, "I see Captain Becker has been coaching you," she remarked casually, "alright, let's try another question ... what information did you give Helen? Did you show her how to use the technology you gave her?" Yes technically that was two questions but Christine was still annoyed at the 'no comment' answer that she wanted to push Connor further, see what she could get.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I gave Helen nothing willingly" Connor said again, reinforcing that point."And no, I did not give her any information on how to use the ARC tech or how to understand the anomalies. Helen seemed well on her way to knowing what she wanted on her own."
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled at that, "so then the only natural conclusion I can draw is that Professor Cutter gave his wife that information then, if you're so adamant you didn't give it to her ... you don't need to go down with Professor Cutter you realise? I can make all of this go away, you can continue your life and you won't have to spend any time in a jail cell," she drawled out that last work pointedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor tried to push past the panic and the flashes of memories that ran through his mind at the mention of a cell. He hesitated, trying to think of what to say. "Anything Helen got... from having kidnapped us... it was the result of torture and abuse. I am not a traitor. Neither is Cutter." Connor's voice was soft but as firm as he could manage. Helen had not been able to convince him to turn his back on Nick, and Christine would not be able to either.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine studied Connor thoughtfully, "So you admit that you both did give Helen information," she said with a slow smile, "I do believe that counts as helping her in the eyes of the law," she paused thoughtfully and let that sink in as long as possible, "but today's your lucky day Connor, it's not you I want, I want Professor Cutter ... I can make all of this go away, just tell me what I want to know,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor tried to keep the panic off his face and out of his voice. Christine was twisting his words, which he knew she would try and do... but he as he supposed to be answering questions otherwise? Everything he said she was trying to twist and manipulate. "We didn't give her anything willingly" Connor reiterated. "If anything was said, it was under the effects of torture." And at that last part, he looked up at Christine and narrowed his eye slightly. "If you want me to give you dirt on Cutter, so you can twist the truth and manipulate me, you are out of luck. The only thing I have to say to that is -no further comment."
Christine(thearcfamily)	A flicker of annoyance spread across Christine's features but she quickly smoothed it out into her normal neutral expression, "very well, I see we're going to have to do this the hard way," she remarked casually, "you are aware Connor that I can make your lives very, very difficult ...and very, very painful," She looked at his hands, "take off yours gloves, show me your hands," she instructed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor hesitated a moment, a twinge of something running through him as he looked at Christine for a moment. The nod towards his hands again prompted him to slowly peel the gloves off. He had to push back the shiver he felt run through him. He felt exposed, the gaz of Christine seeming even more intense now that he sat there, hands out on the table, watching her gaze pass over them.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine's gaze went to his left hand that she knew ha been broken and then her gaze flickered to his right hand, "tell me Connor, if you prefer your right hand to not be broken just as painfully as your left hand, I would start being more cooperative," and then to prove her point, she reached out to touch his hand as a warning.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	The concern he felt at first turned into sheer panic when he heard Christine and saw that look in her eyes. Connor went to pull his hand back, every nerve in his body seeming to be on edge at the simple touch of her hand. But he didn't get very far. In almost the exact same instant it seemed, Christine had a firm grip on his hand, Pinning it to the table. Connor winced, despite his best efforts not to, as she kept the pressure on his hand. "You... you can't" he said his voice tight and panicked. "You aren’t allowed to hurt us... you can's touch us" Connor said as the flashes of his hand being broken and the pain that he had felt washed over him, shutting his brain down in that instant. Otherwise, he'd have called out to Becker just then. But as is was he just sat there and stared at Christine. "You can't... I... I won't..." he said quietly even as he felt himself start to shake slightly.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled at that, the delight she felt at Connor's discomfort and she gripped his hand just that little bit more tightly, "I can do anything I want to you, to the team ... I will get my answers Connor one way or another, how badly I have to hurt you and the team to get to them ... well that remains up to you, you don't want Professor Cutter to be hurt do you? Or Captain Becker or even James Lester...I will hurt everyone you care about,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor winced at the pain as Christine tightened her grip, his fingers starting to hurt from her hold on his hand. He looked at her, the panic and indecision starting to rise up inside him. "I... I don't want... I don't want anyone else hurt" he said softly. He wanted to tell her what he knew, just confess, and let the others go and not have to worry abut her. But deep down somewhere, under the fear and panic that was building inside, a realization hit. Christine would do what she wanted to them, no matter what he said or did. He couldn't trust her word. She was just trying to get him to confess and to incriminate himself and the team, and she would still do whatever she wanted to them, no matter what he said or did. So, with a slow deep breath, Connor tried to calm himself and brace himself for whatever Christine was going to do to him. "But I am not going to tell you anything, Christine."
Christine(thearcfamily)	"So be it," Christine narrowed her gaze, "you'll be begging me for mercy by the time I'm through with you Connor, you and your team will be, you had the chance for this to be easy ... everything that happens from here on out is on your Connor, I want you to remember that," she continued to hold on to his hand as she stared at him.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm... not afraid of you.. Christine," he said, despite the near terror he felt running through him just then. Connor winced again and gave a small hiss as she tightened her grip and started to pull back on his fingers slightly. He knew she would make good on her threats and he hated the thought of Becker or Cutter getting hurt. But he knew this was just Christine trying to get what she wanted. And if she wanted the ARC and access to the anomalies this badly, it meant he had to do everything he could to keep her from getting them.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine merely smiled at that and pressed down tightly enough once more time that would be enough to leave a bruise, she let go of his hand then, “oh you will be Connor,” she said simply, “I’m going to make your life very uncomfortable and I’m going to enjoy it,” She nodded at the door, “the interview is over, you can send in Professor Cutter,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	A gasp of pain escaped Connor's lips as Christine twisted his finger. His eyes watered from the pain, and for a moment he sat there in numbed silence when Christine let go. He then snapped out of the daze and scrambled to the door, nearly tripping over his own feet as he did. The next thing he knew the door was closed behind him and he was leaning against the wall, trying to keep himself from shaking.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was by his side in an instant the concern clearly evident, “what happened?” he asked gently, “what did she do?” he was trying to ignore his insides twisting with nerves at the thought that he still had to face Christine.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor just stared for a moment trying to fight back the panic raging inside. He looked at Cutter and then over at Becker who was also by his side a second later. "I... Christine... She... she's intense" Connor whispered closing his eyes. "She's threatening the entire team, Becker" he said his voice shaking still. His mind was still reeling so badly he didn't even think to say anything about what she had just tried to do. All Connor saw then were flashes of being back, trapped with Helen. He definitely wasn't thinking straight just then. "Be... be careful Nick."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“I will,” Cutter said softly, wishing he could stay with Connor a bit longer but he knew Christine would be waiting so he took a deep breath, looking between Connor and Becker and then opened the door to the room, stepped inside and closed it behind him. He took a deep shaky breath and forced himself to walk over to the table where Christine was and sat down.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"I'll stay with him, Nick" Becker said softly. "Don't worry, everything will be alright. we'll both be right here." Becker tried to sound more sure than he felt about that right then. He put an arm around Connor as he watched Cutter walk in and close the door behind him. Inside, Christine was still seated at the table, her calm and collected demeanor back in place as she looked up from her notepad. "Professor Cutter, glad you made it" she said with sly grin, as if he had any real choice about being there. "Have a seat and we will get started" she said as she switched on the recorder that she had turned off once she had recorded a few quite notes after Connor had left.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled slightly before he could stop himself, he was already nervous about this interview …Connor had been terrified when he had left. He sat down quickly, gripping the chair tightly and he stared at Christine as he waited for what questions she would ask him.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"Now, now, Professor. There's no need to look that anxious. I'm not going to bite," Christine said with a sweet smile that looked more evil than comforting. "Let's just start with the simple basics. Tell me your name and what your connection to Helen Cutter is."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	That really didn’t help and for a moment all he could think about was that day in the cell when Helen had used the truth serum on him. It took him a few more moments to answer as he had to convince himself that this wasn’t the same, he was going to be fine, “My name is Professor Nick Cutter,” he finally said, managing to speak without his voice trembling, “he also was not going to reveal his middle name if he could help besides Christine hadn’t asked for his full name, “Helen Cutter is…” and his voice caught as he had a flashback till that day when he told Helen they were still married, “Helen Cutter is my wife,”
Christine(thearcfamily)	"So, you have a close connection to Helen. You even admit you are still married, and yet you seem to be quite close to your former student, Connor Temple." Christine paused for a moment, delighting in watching Cutter at that moment. "Is that why you convinced Connor to work with you and Helen to betray your country?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Was this a good point to drop his first ‘No comment’ it seemed like a trick question and Cutter froze as he tried to think of an answer that wouldn’t self incriminate him. His hand went to his thigh where that H was still imprinted on his skin, he rubbed it self consciously. “I …Helen went missing, she was declared legally dead, I thought she was dead,” Cutter trembled, flinching slightly at the mention of Connor and how his feelings for Helen had ruined everything. “Helen and I weren’t working together, I didn’t convince Connor to work with us,” As soon as he said it, he regretted it, he was sure Christine was going to twist this and use it against him.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine considered Cutter for a moment and then tapped the folder sitting beside her. "And how long did you wait after you assumed your wife was dead before you hooked up with your lab tech?" Christine made a show of opening the file and lacing at it before turning back to Cutter with a smirk. "Stephen Hart was his name wasn't it? And then you went after poor broken Connor" Christine said shaking her head as if she actually cared about any of them.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Christine knew about Stephen? His stomach dropped …this was so very bad… Cutter’s mouth went dry and he fidgeted in his seat, “no comment,” he said quietly, staring down at his hands.
Christine(thearcfamily)	A mix of a smirk and a scowl passed over Christine's face for a second or two. She had expected such a response, really but was still annoyed Cutter had resorted to the 'no comment' response so quickly. "Ok let's try this question then," she said acting like she wasn't fazed at all. "What did Helen promise you in exchange for your help getting access to the ARC and the anomalies? Must have been something quite impressive for someone of your reputation to turn traitor like that?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter knew that he should just say no comment but was he allowed to use so many in a row? He tried to think back to yesterday but his mind was blank… “I didn’t betray my country,” he trembled, “He…Helen tortured me and Connor, we didn’t give her information willingly…” wait should he have used allegedly in there? His head was hurting…he couldn’t focus…
Christine(thearcfamily)	"Ah, but you did give her information," Christine said. "You aided a suspected conspirator and traitor. You gave Helen information and helped her reach her goals of gaining access to the anomalies." Christine sat quietly for a few moments, letting that hang in the air for a moment, enjoying watching Cutter squirm uncomfortably. "You know, I can help you get out of this mess. I can make this go away and be a lot easier on you. And on that boy you seem so fond of" Christine added with a small nod towards the door where she eas pretty sure Connor was waiting outside. "All you have to do is confess and I will find a way to make sure you get a light sentence. And I will make sure none of the rest of the team gets caught up in all this nasty business either."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter bit his lip …this was going so very bad, he glanced over at the door where Connor had been leaning by the wall. He was so tempted to just confess to everything, especially at the mention that Connor and the team would be spared, he opened his mouth and then closed it again, finally remembering Becker’s words that Christine had to go to the Minister…it wasn’t a sure thing he could protect them. “No comment,” he finally said, slumping in his seat as he did.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine shook her head, looking somewhat disappointed at that response. "You are really disappointing me, Professor. I figured you would be all about protecting your team. You're their leader after all, well, you used to be at least." Christine smiled cruelly. "But if you are going to clam up on me and not cooperate with this little arrangement, I will have no choice but to take things up a notch. And believe me, you won't like it if I do..." Slowly Christine reached out a hand and tapped one long, perfectly manicured finger on the back of Cutter's hand. "Connor was wearing gloves just like these," she said almost casually as if she was actually trying to just make conversation. She wasn't sure if Cutter had noticed Connor had left without his gloves, the pair still sitting in the chair beside her. "Why don't you take them off?" she said, the question sounding more like an order than anything else."Is that why you convinced Connor to work with you and Helen to betray your country?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter froze, flinching as Christine’s finger touched his. He really wasn’t liking where this was going, he glanced at the door, tempted to call in Becker but maybe he was just being paranoid …surely Christine wouldn’t actually hurt him? Connor had said she’d threatened the team, maybe this was just another threat? “Did you hurt Connor?” he asked before he could stop himself, he hadn’t t noticed he’d left without his gloves but maybe that was why he was so frightened? Nervously he took off his gloves, flinching at the sight of his hands and he held them out for Christine to look at. He couldn’t t stop his hands from shaking.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"I might have given the boy a little motivation to cooperate," Christine said with a grin that was anything but ensuring. "He proved quite helpful once he stopped being so stubborn," she lied, hoping it would get Cutter's guard down even further. "Now I am not going to have to do the same with you, am I, Professor?" she almost purred as she took one of his hands in hers. "Would be a shame if your good fingers ended up just as broken as the others, wouldn't it? You are a smart man, you know it would be better for yourself, and for your team, to just tell me what information and tech you gave to Helen. You don't want anything to happen to the others do you? To Connor, Captain Becker, and James Lester. Tell me what I want to know" she said coldly as she ran a finger along one of Cutter's fingers slowly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter wanted to pull his hand away from Christine, to call out for Becker…his mind was blank as all he could think about was that day in the cell, with Helen and how she had broken his hands. He trembled, “I…” he didn’t want anyone else to suffer because of him but he knew that Christine couldn’t hurt him, Becker had told him that, “…no comment,” he finally managed to gasp out, tensing as he braced for whatever Christine was going to do to him…surely she was bluffing, she wouldn’t break his fingers would she?
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine tutted softly as she shook her head. Without a word, she slowly, almost gently ran her fingers over Cutter's palm and then turned his hand over on the table. "Wrong answer, Professor" she said with a cruel grin. And in the next instant, she pinned his hand against the table with one hand and grabbed hold of a finger with the other."I have tried to be more than patient. You are bringing this upon yourself," she said as she tightened her grip on his finger, paused for a second, revelling in the fear she saw in his eyes, and then pulled back on the finger in one hard and fast move.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The panic was overwhelming as Christine pinned his hand down, he tried to free himself but found he couldn't move and he watched in horror as she grabbed a finger on his other hand. He whimpered, terrified and he screamed as she pulled back on his finger, "BECKER!"
Becker(thearcfamily)	His name was barely out of Cutter's mouth before the door swung open and Becker came charging into the room. Connor had finally come out of his near panic attack enough to tell him what Christine had done and he had almost been hand on the door when Cutter called out. "Christine, what the BLOODY HELL do you think you are DOING?" Becker cried out as he stormed into the room, Connor on his heels though he still looked terrified about going back into the room with Christine.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine tightened her grip on Cutter's finger and hand, he whimpered as he tried to free himself but all that did was result in her applying more pressure and he winced at the pain. "This is out of line Captain Becker," she spat, glowering at him and Connor, "unless you want to face charges yourself, I would leave now,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Out of line?" Becker said, his voice losing its usual collected and controlled tone. "Do you have any idea how many terms and agreements you have violated? You were told not to lay a finger on them!" Becker looked over at Cutter and then to Christine, his eyes narrowing. "Let him go" he said, totally ignoring her threat about charges of his own.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"When it comes to the safety of this country, you do what is necessary and Professor Cutter brought this on himself, he chose to be uncooperative, if anything you broke the terms of our deal ... " she pressed down even harder on Cutter's hand and finger and he was sure they were going to break, he cried out as the pain only increased. "I trust it was you who instructed them to say 'no comment'?" she glowered at him, "you promised me an interview with them Captain, I wouldn't call this an interview,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"You're right it doesn’t It looks more like an interrogation and torture session" Becker snarled as he stepped closer. "Now let him go. Or I will make you!" he said as he reached a hand out to grab Christine's arm and force her away if needed. As he did he tried to ignore the cry from Connor as he tried to run to Cutter. "Give it up, Christine. You are not going to get what you are looking for like this" he said as his fingers got closer to her wrist. Becker clearly was not going to back down, charges be damned.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine glowered at Becker, especially once he had grabbed her arm, "you are going to regret this Captain, I will personally make sure of it," and then for good measure she tightened her grip on Cutter's finger and pulled back at it, she knew it wouldn't be broken but she was hoping she at least bruised or dislocated it. Cutter screamed at the force on his finger as she pulled at it and then before she let go of his hand, she pressed down as hard as she could so that it would at least leave a bruise. She finally let go of Cutter and he pushed his chair back as far away as he could, his hands shaking and he let out a moan at the pain in his hands. "And that is only a taste of what I can do," she warned them as she stood up from her chair, not going to give Becker the satisfaction of dragging her from it.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker was basically shooting daggers at Christine as he glared at her. Once Cutter was free he glanced over his shoulder, risking a second to make sure Connor and Cutter were ok, or as ok as they could be. He then turned his attention back to Christine. "And you will regret ever stooping this low" Becker growled back, grabbing Christine's upper arm as he started walking towards the door. All poise and sense of decorum were gone. Becker knew he would have to answer for his actions, but he didn't care. Truth be told, Christine was lucky he hadn't just flat-out tackled her. "We're done here. Let's go!" he said as he started to half march and half drag her out the door. He was going to make sure she left the ARC and not pull any more tricks.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine barely had time to gather her things before Becker was dragging her from the room, she glowered at Cutter and Connor and then back at Becker. "Take a good look around Captain," she spat, "after this, by the time I'm through with you, you'll be lucky to get a job working security at a mall,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker didn't answer. He barely even flinched as he kept walking Christine out of the room and down the hall. He would take whatever she threw his way. He didn't care. She had hurt his boys, his team, and she was not going to get off easy for that. As they left, he gave a quick nod to Connor an then turned back to Christine and proceeded to escort her less than gently out of the building.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine scowled as the threat didn't seem to make a difference and Becker kept escorting her and she was finding it difficult to keep up with him, so he was more or less dragging her, which she found really undignified. Then once they were near the exit, she realised they had company in the form of Lester, who watched with a neutral expression but she knew that he would have picked up what had happened, as much as she hated to admit it ... not much escaped Lester's notice, it was why he was so good at what he did. "You really couldn't help yourself could you Christine?" he remarked casually as Becker led her out, "I hope you take a good look around, if I have my way, this will be the last time you step foot in the ARC,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	As soon as Christine had let go of Cutter, Connor was at his side. He barely registered anything Becker was saying and didn't even acknowledge Christine as Becker escorted her out. His attention was fully on Cutter. "Nick... oh Nick" he said as he wrapped his arms around Cutter as he knelt down in front of him. He gently took his hand and examined it. "I'm so sorry Nick."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled, he was only vaguely aware of Connor wrapping his arms around him and then he was there, he blinked as Connor carefully took his hand and then he couldn't help it, he started crying. "I didn't think she'd do it," he said softly, hating how weak he was feeling.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor held Cutter close, feeling his own eyes sting as he fought back tears of his own. "I'm sorry Nick... I should have spoken up sooner. I... I should have warned you about it. I... I was too scared to say anything at first. It's my fault you got hurt. I... I'm so so sorry."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter sobbed as he leaned against Connor, unable to stop those tears, he trembled, "it's not your fault ...I ... she told me she hurt you, I'm sorry," he said softly, "I'm sorry for everything ... I ... I'm sorry I couldn't stop her, she's not going to back down now, I ... I made everything worse,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Hey, hey none of that" Connor said gently rubbing Cutter's back. "It wasn't your job to stop her. None of us have been able to stop her so far." Connor fell silent at that, the weight of those words landing hard for a moment. Slowly Connor pulled back and took a closer look at Cutter's hand. "Are you alright? Want me to take you to the med bay and get checked out?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took deep gulping breaths as Connor rubbed his back, he cried a little bit more and then he was able to calm down, just resting against Connor for the moment. Once Connor pulled back and looked at his hands, he stared at them and then he couldn't stop flinching, he wasn't wearing his gloves and now they were exposed and they'd been hurt again ... "I don't think it's broken but they hurt," he admitted, "I .. maybe to be on the safe side," he said softly. At that moment Lester came by the room, "Christine's gone and if we're lucky she won't be back," he said in a tone that perhaps suggested they usually weren't that lucky, "how are you both holding up?" he asked gently, looking between Connor and Cutter.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I... I'm fine" Connor said not too convincingly. He was more worried about Cutter to be honest. "Going to get Nick checked out with the med team" he said softly. "Christine... she..." he shook his head and gave a shiver at the thought of what all Christine had done and said.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Cutter could only nod in response and Lester's brows knotted in concern as he looked between Cutter and Connor, "I would like you to get checked out as well Connor while you're there," he said softly. "I'm sorry, we took Christine at her word that she wouldn't hurt you ... I should never have trusted her,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Not your fault...." Connor said softly. "We all trusted her. And.. and now...." Connor closed his eyes as his hand twinged as he tried to flex it a little. He didn't think anything was broken or dislocated but the fingers Christine had had a hold of were feeling stiff and he thought they might be swelling a little.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I'm going to call the Minister, let him know exactly what happened and hopefully the blowback will put some pressure on Christine and she'll stay away for a while," Lester told them, "but after you and Nick go to the med bay, I'm going to have Captain Becker take us to my apartment, I think after the day you've had, watching TV and eating Chinese takeout sounds like a good way to spend the evening,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded. He still wasn’t sure about going to med bay and was worried what they would say about his hand. But he knew Lester would insist and so would Cutter. So, he nodded slowly and looked over at Lester and managed a weak smile. "That... does sound kind of nice."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter managed to nod at that, "I do like the sound of that," he said softly as he looked over at Lester, "thank you James," "You're welcome, now you and Connor go to the med bay and get checked out and then I'll make the arrangements with Captain Becker for tonight," Lester nodded and gave a small smile as he did.