The ARC - Early Thursday

[itsananomaly]

Lester was not having a good couple of days - between Cutter nearly freezing to death in a lab and then Connor getting infected and nearly freezing in another lab … and Connor was still asleep and in quarantine and Cutter had refused to leave his side. Now he had the hard task of choosing a new team leader … since his call with the Minister and finding out that Christine intended to put in one of her own men to replace Cutter … he had to act fast, he had managed to delay Christine coming to the ARC til tomorrow but that didn’t give him a lot of time. This was going to be messy and he hated that he had to remove Cutter but the Minister was very specific about that and if he still wanted the team to be his and not Christine’s … Cutter was going to lose the leadership and his security clearance to the ARC. Now he had to choose someone to replace Cutter … he had asked Jenny and she had already said no, now his next choice was Becker and he had asked for him to stop by his office. [preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. Adapted from Series 3 episode 5 'Future Epidemic'. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker was also feeling the effects of the last few day especially hard. He had spent the entirety of his required hour of quarantine pacing like a caged animal. And as soon as the all-clear was given by the medical team, he had made a beeline for the rendezvous point for his men and done a complete sweep of the ARC. As soon as he had gotten back he got a call from Lester to meet him for an update and to figure out a plan going forward. So Becker all but jogged down the hall towards Lesrer's office. The tone of his voice made it clear that it was an urgent matter. "Sorry for the delay Sir" he said, slightly out of breath. "Was on patrol when you called."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"That's alright Captain, I know we've still got a backlog of things to clear before we can even get close to systems running as normal," Lester sighed, "but I'm afraid the news I have is going to make that more difficult," He motioned to the chair in front of his desk, "would you take a seat please,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Ok that earned a bit of eyebrow lift as he did as instructed and took the seat. "What's going on Sir?" he asked, trying to tap down that flip in his stomach. They really didn't need anything else going wrong right now.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"It seems that Christine has been busy these last few weeks," Lester sighed as he swung in his chair slightly, not quite able to keep himself still, "she's gotten to the minister ... managed to convince him that Cutter needs to be replaced as team leader and she's going to be here tomorrow with her choice,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker stared as those words sunk in. "Damnit. She's really serious about trying to take over the ARC isn't she?" he said rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Have you talked to Nick yet? Told him about your choice of a replacement?" he asked, the concern evident in his voice. He knew Cutter would take it hard when he found out.
Lester(thearcfamily)	For the first time in a long time Lester couldn't keep his expression neutral, "I haven't found a replacement yet," he admitted, "I already talked to Ms. Lewis but she wasn't keen on the leadership side of our operations ... " he took a deep breath, "I was actually hoping that you would consider taking the job Captain? You've got the experience, both Nick and Connor respect you, as do the rest of the team and it would't be too hard to switch your roles from security to leading the team,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker usually had a decent poker face when he wanted but that request was a shock. "I... I appreciate the consideration Sir" he said slowly as the thought about what that would mean if he did accept. "But I am afraid I will have to decline if this is a request and not an ordered reassignment." Becker sighed. He knew he was making things harder on Lester by refusing to take over from Cutter. "I would prefer to keep on with the security assignment. And I... I feel stepping into Cutter's shoes at this point would only intensify the scrutiny and attention we are getting from Christine. You know shes been after me hard to join her and Captain Wilder. I think it'd be even more a focus of hers if I was in that leadership role." Becker dropped his head slightly. "I am sorry Sir."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester had expected as much but he had thought it was worth a try asking Captain Becker, he nodded, "I understand," he said softly, "I feel our Connor and Abby don't have the necessary qualifications to lead a team and I did want it to go to someone who has worked closely with the team," he hesitated, "maybe going with someone we know but is experienced would be the way to go ...tell me Captain, after everything that has happened what is your opinion on Danny Quinn?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker thought for a moment, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging the corner of his lips as he thought about their encounters and experiences with Danny. "A moment ago I'd have begged you to lock him away forever. But now...." Becker shook his head and gave a small laugh. "Danny Quinn is stubborn hard-headed, seemingly nearly fearless, and a rebel. Which honestly sir... sounds a lot like most of the stream in a way. He also has the training, skills, and experience we need. I... I think Danny would work. If nothing else we know he's got the passion and drive for this sort of work."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded thoughtfully, "I agree ... in many ways he's just like Nick ... extremely stubborn, doesn't follow the rules, doesn't follow orders ... honestly I don't think he'll have that much of a problem fitting in the team ... and he wouldn't take any nonsense from Christine ...yes I think Mr. Quinn could be just what we need ..."
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded in agreement. "And for every unknown there still is concerning Quinn, what we do know far outweighs it, in my opinion at least, Sir." He fell silent a moment and then looked at Kester, not liking to be the one to bring it up but it did need to be discussed. "Have you thought about how you are going to tell Nick? And Connor? This decision impacts both of them significantly considering everything hey have been through- especially these last month or so with Christine."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I haven't ... I need to ask Quinn first, see if he'll accept the role but I don't know how I'm going to break the news to Nick and Connor ...this is going to devastate them," Lester sighed, "but I don't want them to find out from Christine, lord knows that woman doesn't need anything else to lord over them,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Yeah, definitely don't want to give her any more access to them or let her get her claws into the ARC more than she already has." Becker sighed and rubbed the back of his head. Lester was right, this was going to be really hard for Nick and Connor to hear and accept. "If...if you want me there when you tell them, Sir... just let me know."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I need to tell them by myself ... it's the least I can do for them," Lester sighed, not looking forward to that task, "but if you could check on them after I tell them, they'll need all the support they can right now, more than ever ..."
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Of course, Sir" Becker said with a nod. He couldn't even imagine what it was going to be like for them to get this news and to have to adapt so quickly. "I will keep a close watch on them and let you know. I... I'm sure they will be alright, in time."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Thank you Captain," Lester nodded back, grateful to have Becker's support in this, "I'm afraid it's going to be another long day and night," he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, "I'll have to talk to Quinn, break the news to Nick and Connor ... it's not going to be easy to do this but it needs to be done,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	As Becker stood to excuse himself and get back to his patrols, he looked at Lester for a moment and let formality fall to the wayside. They had all been in crisis mode for a while now, and it was beginning to wear on all of them. Becker walked over and put a hand on Lester's shoulder as he sat in the chair at the head of the table. "You are doing a tremendous job Sir" he said simply, giving Lester a small nod. "We'll get through this." And with that he gave a small nod and turned and made his way out of the office.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester gave a small smile and nod at that, "thank you Captain," he said softly and then once Becker had left, he leaned back in his chair thoughtfully. It was time for him to summon Mr. Quinn to his office and see if he would accept the leadership role, if Mr. Quinn refused to accept, he wasn't sure what he was going to do.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Now that he was two choices down in his search for a replacement leader, Lester was starting to feel a little desperate. He needed to find a replacement before Christine arrived tomorrow and he had to tell Nick and Connor what was going to happen to them. He wasn’t looking forward to any of this, he had sent a request for Mr. Quinn to come by his office and he waited as patiently as he could for him to stop by. He really hoped Danny was going to agree otherwise he wasn’t sure what he was going to do.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny had still been mulling around the main lab area, just 'passing by' now and then to peak in on Cutter and Connor. That was where Becker found him and gave him the message that Lester wanted to see him. So, with directions to the office provided by Becker and consideration as to what the meeting was regarding, Danny knocked on the door to Lester's office before opening it and poking his head in. "You wanted to see me Guv?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Ah Mr. Quinn, yes ... thank you for coming," Lester nodded, "please take a seat," and just like before with Captain Becker, he motioned for Danny to take the seat in front of him.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny tilted his head slightly as he looked at Lester and took a seat. "Suddenly feeling like I'm back in the chief's office about to get another lecture," he said with a small laugh. But then he caught the serious look on Lester's face and nodded. "What was it you wanted to discuss? Sir."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Actually quite the contrary, Mr. Quinn," Lester assured him, "I have a proposition for you if you would be interested in hearing it, it's concerning your future here at the ARC,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Ok, you definitely have my attention," Danny said with a faint smirk. He was half expecting Lester to offer him something like a janitor position to try and shut him up.
Lester(thearcfamily)	If Lester was the joking type, he may have tried to suggest hiring Danny as a janitor but as it was he looked at Danny thoughtfully, studying him as he sat in his chair, "I'm afraid I have quite a difficult decision to make regarding the roster of my team and decisions have been made lately that are out of my hands concerning Nick's future as the team leader ...I don't know how much you've been told about Christine Johnson but she's on her way here tomorrow to get one her men in charge of the team and I cannot let that happen," he said, "if you're still interested in working for us ... I would like to offer you the position of team leader," he sat back in his chair and waited to see what Danny would say to that.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny stared at Lester for a moment and glanced around the room, almost as if he expected to find a hidden camera somewhere. "You are serious" he said when the realization dawned on him. Danny sat and looked at Lester. " I know what Cutter and Captain Becker have told me. She sounds like a piece of work." Danny thought about it a minute as then gave a nod. "Im interested, Guv" he said with a grin. "Ya got a good team here from what I've already seen."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"That's one way of putting it," Lester nodded, relieved when Danny nodded that he would take the job, "I do have to tell you that you were not my first choice Mr. Quinn, you were actually my third but ... as you've been able to work out around here, we're racing against the clock to stop Christine getting her hands on the ARC,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny had to give a small chuckle at that admission from Lester. "To be honest, I'm not usually people's first choice for a lot of things. But, I'm glad you finally came around. I'll do my best to live up to expectations."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Then welcome aboard Mr. Quinn," Lester said with a small smile as he reached his hand over the desk for Danny to shake to welcome him to the team, "I think you'll fit in rather nicely around here, despite your somewhat unorthodox introduction to the team," he couldn't help but add.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Ah yes, bit of a misunderstanding on my part. Sorry about that" Danny said as he reached out to give Lester a firm handshake. "It's a good team you got. I look forward to working with them. Though..." Danny said leanin on the table a bit and leaning towards Lester a little. "Whats the job pay and all?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	""And we look forward to working with you Mr. Quinn," Lester tilted his head, "ah I should have expected this question, the role of team leader is classed as a middle management role and you'll be paid accordingly, I'm sure we can negotiate your exact salary and benefits when we finalise the paperwork?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Hey, that was better than the 'next to nothing' Danny had been expecting so he wasn't about to complain. "Sounds good Sir. And thank you again for the opportunity. I'll go make myself scarce until everything can be taken care ok. Probably pop over and check on the boys. Docs were just getting there when you called."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, “I still need to tell Nick and Connor,” he said softly, “I would appreciate if you would not say anything to them til I can tell them the news myself,”
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Of course" Danny said with a nod. "just anxious to see how they are. Cutter seems to be hanging in there ok. Connor was still out of is so..." Danny rubbed the back of his head. Not even officially on the team, and he was already worrying about them- that was Danny alright.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“It’s been a rough few days for them,” Lester admitted, “honestly it’s been a rough few months ever since everything happened with Helen …the fact they’re still here at all, I’m worried though… there’s only so much bad news a person can take,” he said softly, he was not looking forward to telling Nick and Connor what was happening with their role at the ARC.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"I know I am the new guy here and all and have a lot to prove," Danny said with a nod. "But I will do my best and will do good by the team. You have my word." There would be a lot he would need to get caught up, especially on Cutter and Connor ad what they had been through and what the actual story was with this Christine and whoever this Helen person was too. But there was a time for that and there were bigger issues to deal with- this could wait. For now.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, “I know you will, I’ve seen your file,” because of course Lester did a thorough background check in Danny, even more than the one he’d done when Cutter and Connor had been arrested, “you’re a good man Quinn, I know you’ll do right by this team,”
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Thank you Sir. I... I won't let you down. And I'll be around so just let me know what you need of me through all this." Talk about trial by fire huh? Danny held his hand out for Lester and gave a nod. Thank you again sir.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“You’re welcome Mr. Quinn,” Lester gave a small smile as he shook Danny’s hand, “welcome aboard, I’d say that the job will only get easier well …this is very much a typical day around here, only without the nearly freezing in a lab part,” he added, “that part was new but I will say that this job is never dull,”
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter wasn’t sure how long he and Connor were asleep for, it had been a long day and they were both still really tired, especially Connor. Cutter remained snuggled up against Connor on the bed. He didn’t care if this was against protocol, Connor was safe and he was with him and right now that was everything that mattered. He wrapped his arm gently around Connor and snuggled in closer, eyes still closed as he wanted to be able to enjoy how nice this was.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	There was going to be no argument from Connor. And every time he woke up a little he would shift and snuggle closer or move his arm around Cutter to make sure he was still there.The hours had passed quietly for them, unlike for most of the rest of the team, which they were blissfully unaware of- for now.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter murmured contentedly, unaware of any drama that might be unfolding as they slept or what was in store for them when they woke up and he wanted to sleep for as long as he could. He could feel himself beginning to wake up and he didn't want that, he snuggled as close to Connor as he could, keeping his eyes shut tight as he tried to fight against waking up.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor began to stir as well, slowly waking up. With a soft moan of protest he snuggled closer and tried to fight off the sleep. It was useless, though and he slowly opened his eyes. Connor couldn't help but smile as he looked down at Cutter still dozing beside him. "Good morning sleepy-head" he said with a smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	And for the first time in a long time Cutter felt really happy and he turned on his side to smile up at Connor, "morning," he said sleepily, letting out a yawn as he did, "this is really nice," he murmured contentedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Very very nice" Connor said with a smile. With the medicine working out of his system and some actual sleep behind him now, his mind as clearer and he was remembering more of what all happened/ and that just drove home how special this was. Being there with Cutter. Both of them alive. He smiled at Cutter. "I'd stay like this all day if I could," he said softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled warmly at that, tentatively reaching out a hand to give Connor's cheek a gentle stroke, part of it because he had missed this and also because he really wanted to make sure that Connor was there, laying next to him, "so could I," he said quietly as he gazed up at Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sighed softly, leaning into the touch slightly, also trying to convince himself that this was real and actually happening. He could lay there like that forever but he knew they couldn't. The doctors or someone would likely be stopping by shortly to check on them. "I wonder what time it is" he said softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I don't know ... I think it was was like 1:00am when Becker visited us ...at least that's what he said about getting food" Cutter considered as he gave Connor's cheek another gentle stroke, enjoying how nice this was, "it must be early morning, I'm sure we'll get visitors soon, either the doctors or James, maybe Becker will come back?" his stomach was starting to rumble and he realised he was hungry.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded slowly as he looked at Cutter and smiled softly. "Food sounds amazing right now, I will admit" he said wish a sheepish grin. "I... it was... "Connor struggled for a minute to find the words he was trying to say. "Thank you, Nick, for staying with me through all this. I.. don't think I'd ave been able to do this alone."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Food does sound amazing, might have to see if we can get some food," Cutter agreed as he smiled at Connor, "and you're welcome Connor, I couldn't leave you ... I ... I was scared of losing you again and I couldn't ... I had to be with you ...I love you," he finally finished.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I love you too Nick. So much...I didn't want to leave you. That is what... kept me going. I'm just sorry I put you through that." Connor slowly pushed himself up a little, trying to get comfortable. Without the meds that meant he was feeling everything a lot more clearly- including the full-body aches and the tingling still in his arm where the infection had been. At least it was his bad arm to begin with but it was still giving him a lot of trouble. "We'll figure this out.... together."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“We’ll figure this out,” Cutter smiled softly at that, at hearing Connor say those words, “I’m just glad that we’re both here now,” he said softly, “the worst is behind us,” He really had no idea what was in store for them.
Lester(thearcfamily)	The moment had come and Lester really couldn’t put off telling Nick and Connor anymore, he stood outside the quarantine room and peered through the window, noticing that Connor and Nick were sharing a bed and despite the obvious breach in protocol … it was nice seeing them like that, being so close again after everything. He knocked on the door, “how are you feeling?” he asked as he looked in the room.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh, Lester!" Connor said giving a slight jump as he realized Lester was there and also that he was kinda stuck and couldn't get out of the awkward position he was in. Not that he wanted Cutter to leave but... He just hoped Lester wouldn't be cross with them for the breach of protocol. "We're... I'm feeling a lot better..."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Cutter realised the same problem and awkwardly started to sit up so that Connor could have more room to move, even if it was rather reluctant, "I'm feeling better too James," he said softly. Lester nodded as he entered the room, "I'm glad to hear that, you had us both worried there for a while, but the fungus has been taken care of thanks to Connor's quick thinking," he said with a relieved smile, he hesitated, "unfortunately I do have some bad news I need to tell the both of you,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor's heart sank a little at that. They really didn't need any more bad news right now. He nodded slowly as he watched Lester come in. He could tell by his expression he wasn't looking forward to this talk either.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester took a deep breath, “there really is no easy way to say this, Christine’s gotten to the Minister and she was able to convince him to remove Nick from the leadership role so she could put one of her own men in, I’m sorry Nick but I’ve had to put Mr. Quinn in charge of the team,” Cutter’s stomach dropped at that, “oh,” he said quietly. “And both you and Connor have lost security access to the ARC,” Lester said quietly, hating that it had to be this way.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor stared at Lester for a moment, not wanting to believe what he was hearing. "You gotta be bloody joking.... Are they for real?" Connor said when he could finally speak. "After all we have done... all Cutter has done! Everything he has done with the anomalies, the creatures, everything with Helen, all of this work he has done! Are they just going to throw it all away? Act like it doesn't matter? That's gratitude for ya. Load of bollocks if you ask me!" Sorry Lester, Connor was a bit upset at the injustice and more so for Cutter than for himself at that moment.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was extremely grateful he was sitting on the bed just then …he stared numbly at Lester as he processed the full impact of what was being said. “Am I …am I being fired?” he finally managed to ask, he wasn’t sure how to deal with any of this. This was his team …he knew he had talked about giving up the leadership role but that was his choice …it was being taken away from him, just like his job at the university had… He trembled and he felt a wave of nausea overwhelm him … Lester watched Connor and Nick’s reactions, “I’m really sorry, it’s out of my hands …Christine is on her way here thinking she’s gotten control of the team,” he said softly, “and you’re not being fired, you are both still a part of this team, we just can’t let you have security access,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor reached over and grabbed Cutter's hand and clung to it tightly. He hated feeling this weak, this useless, this powerless. Connor took a few slow breaths trying to calm himself before he looked back over at Lester. "And that's going to stop Christine, right? Having Danny replace Cutter... it... will keep her from getting her man in charge right?" It had better or Connor was going to be an even bigger mess than he already was. "And we can still work with the team? In the field... like.. like when we first started?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter clung tightly to Connor’s hand, he couldn’t stop shaking …this was wrong …how could they do this to them after everything? “I hope so,” Lester said quietly, “it’s …it won’t stop her from trying to take over the ARC but if she knows we’re all united behind Mr.Quinn …it will buy us time,” And then he considered Connor’s second question, “you can still work in the field but it will have to be in an advisory role, you won’t …you won’t be able to use any of the ARC technology,” Lester hated doing this, he knew how much the tech meant to Connor, how much time he had put into creating and working on it …he really wished there was more he could do to stop Christine that didn’t involve hurting Connor and Nick like this.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	And that hit like a gut punch. It felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. Everything he had done at the ARC, from the very beginning, was tied up in the tech. It was his field of expertise. It was what he did. It was the one thing he had always been able to do to help the team. And now... Christine was taking that away from him. Connor couldn't answer Lester at that moment. He just stared at his hand lying in his lap, the other slowly loosening its hold on Cutter's hand. He didn't want to hurt him by clinging too tightly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I'm so sorry Connor," Cutter said miserably when the silence had become too unbearable, his shoulders slumped, "there's nothing we can do about this is there Lester .... it's either let Christine put her men in or get behind Danny isn't it?" "I'm afraid so Nick," Lester said quietly, "I wish it didn't have to be this way, you're both valuable members of the team, I'm still trying to fight this but Christine ... she really has gotten to the Minister, he's not even picking up my calls right now,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Then we do what we have to" Connor said simply, his head still down, not able to look at Cutter or Lester just then. "Christine... she... she can't be allowed to get the anomalies... the ARC... we can't let her get what she wants." Connor knew this was bigger than him, bigger than Cutter... the entire team was counting on them... and he shuddered to think of what could happen if Christine got full control and replaced everyone on the team. This wouldn't fix the problem, Lester was right. But it would buy them time and show Christine this wasn't going to be an easy fight. "When.... when is Christine supposed to be here?" he asked, finally looking up at Lester.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Not for the first time Lester was cursing Christine and all the trouble she had caused this team, the hurt she had caused Nick and Connor, "I'm doing everything I can to fix this," he promised, "at least to restore your security clearance, the leadership of the team I'm afraid I can't do much ... the Minister was very clear that Nick had to move aside," he sighed, "and Christine is meant to be in a few hours, I ... I need to brief Mr. Quinn, get everything ready but you've been the given the all clear to leave quarantine, I'll ... I'll see if Captain Becker can bring you some food," even though judging by their reactions the last thing that Nick or Connor would feel like doing right then would be eating.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded slowly. He knew this wasn't easy on anyone. And he really was trying to keep his mind focus don the 'needs of the many' but it hurt. He knew it wasn't Lester's fault. The anger and hurt he felt was directed entirely at Christine. With a slow, shuddering breath, Connor looked from Cutter to Lester. "I... th-thank you Lester... for... trying to help us. We..." Connor couldn't continue, the knot in his stomach threatening to rise in his throat just then.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter sat numbly on the bed, managing to nod in acknowledgement of what Lester was saying … that he was going to try and get their security clearance back. Everything hurt … it felt like as soon as they got back on track, something happened and they were back at square one and he honestly didn’t know how much more of this he could take. “Th… thank you James,” he managed to say at last, trembling as he felt tears falling down his cheeks, “for … for doing what you could,” his shoulders slumped as he tried to process everything. Lester nodded, “I really am sorry Nick and Connor that it came to this, I want you to know that you’re both still valuable members of our team and despite what Christine may try, you will always have a place here at the ARC,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded. He felt tired, more than he had been just an hour ago. He felt broken and defeated and Christine wasn't even there yet. All he wanted was to be with Cutter, be with the team, be a part of what he loved doing these last few years. And now all of that was in jeopardy. Connor closed his eyes and leaned against Cutter.He knew they had to keep fighting, that they couldn't give up... but right then... at that moment... Connor didn't feel like doing anything but curling up and never getting out of that bed again.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter rested his head against Connor’s as Connor leaned against him, he couldn’t help it he let out a sob. It wasn’t supposed to be like this … for the first time he wondered if he could have spared Connor going through this if he had just agreed to confess to the treason charges. Surely jail wouldn’t hurt as much as this? He had no fight left in him, he wasn’t sure how he was supposed to put up a united front for Christine … having Danny in charge made it hurt less, at least he wasn’t being replaced by one of Christine’s men but still … it shouldn’t have come to this. “I’ll leave you both to get ready,” Lester said softly when it was clear that neither of them were going to say something, “we’ll be meeting in the HUB in a few hours, for when Christine gets here,” with one last apologetic look Lester turned and left.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as Lester got up to leave. And when the door closed, Connor couldn't hold it in any longer. He clung to Cutter and sobbed, all the anger, the hurt, the frustration, and the fear coming out all at once in a flood. He felt weak, pathetic, useless... but he was tired and couldn't fight it any longer. He had to let it out or he was going to explode. So he did, and once he started, it felt like he might never stop.