The ARC - Early Friday Morning

[itsananomaly]

Cutter wasn’t sure how long he and Connor had sat there on the bed, it hadn’t taken long at all before Cutter had started crying as well, clinging desperately to Connor. He was scared, the fact Christine had enough power to replace him as leader and revoke his and Connor’s security clearance … it really did feel like the walls were closing in on them and it wouldn’t be long before Christine had what she needed to arrest them for treason like she had wanted all along. He knew he had to put on a united front for Christine, to show that he did support Danny replacing him as leader but everything hurt and the last thing he felt like doing was moving right then, he just wanted to stay on the bed and cling to Connor and not do anything else. [preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. Adapted from Series 3 episode 5 'Future Epidemic'. NFB but OOC welcome]

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Eventually, Connor had calmed down some, the sobs dying off though he still let out a shuddering sob now and then as he sat on the bed, leaning against Cutter. He was so tired. All he wanted was to sleep and ignore everything. He hurt. He didn't want to go anywhere, and he definitely didn't want to see Christine. But he also knew they had to be united against Christine. He just had no idea how he was going to do it. "Christine is going to be here soon" he said weakly as he sat up enough to look at the clock on the wall. They had been cleared form quarantine but Connor hadn't even been able to move out of the bed. He was just too tired, he barely had the strength to stand at that point.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I guess we'll need to get moving," Cutter said numbly, not making any effort at all to actually move, he was tired and exhausted even though the last thing he wanted was to give Christine ammunition that he didn't support Danny replacing him as leader, he needed to make the effort. "Maybe we can go back to my ..." his voice trailed off, did losing his security clearance mean he was no longer allowed to access his own office with all the notes and everything related to the ARC that was in there, "oh I guess we can't go back to my office ... I suppose that leaves the break room," he said softly, his shoulders slumping.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yeah... gotta try and at least look somewhat presentable" Connor said numbly as he gave Cutter's hand gentle squeeze and then shifted to swing his legs over the side of the bed. Taking a deep breath he slowly scooted to the edge of the bed and let his feet touch the floor. Connor closed his eyes, trying to get up the energy to stand. And when he finally did his legs felt like they were made of jello. He tried to take a step and the room felt like it was spinning. Connor tried to make himself move back to sit on the bed but he couldn't move. It was like his body wasn't listening to him right then. And as he felt himself start to sink he felt a hand on his arm and an arm slip around him, keeping him upright. "Hey hey easy there, Connor" Becker said as he shifted to get a better hold on Connor and help him back to the bed. He had come by to see how they were doing because he knew Lester had broken the news to them and also because he wanted to help them get ready for Christine's arrival if he could. Connor looked up at him a somewhat confused look on his face. When had Becker gotten there? Why wasn't he still in the bed?
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Connor?" Cutter managed to turn around to face him, "are you okay?" he was concerned, he reached out to take his hand. And then, "Becker? Is that you?" he hadn't remembered Becker coming into the room, he had been so focused on trying to get enough energy to focus on moving that he hadn't even paid attention to anyone else coming into the room ... actually he hadn't even remembered Lester leaving.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker got Connor seating back on the bed and looked from him to Cutter and then back. He knew they would be in bad shape considering everything. But he hadn't expected them to look this broken. "Yeah, I wanted to come check in with you both. See if you needed help with anything." And judging by just the first two minutes he had been there that was a definitive yes, if they would accept his help that is.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh," Cutter said softly, not giving a direct answer to that either way but he hadn't rejected Becker's offer to help, "you know what happened then," it wasn't a question and Cutter felt so deflated at that, at admitting that he'd lost another job.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sat quietly on the bed. He looked over at Cutter with a small wince. He didn't want to think about what had happened... and here they were, getting ready to go see the person who was directly and solely responsible for all of this. "Yeah I heard" Becker said with an apologetic nod. "Christine is making a mess of everything. But don't worry... Connor, Nick... we are going to fight this. We are all going to stand behind Danny and beside you both. Christine is not going to get away with this." Connor managed a small nod, wishing he could believe that.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn't meet Becker's gaze at that, his shoulders slumped, "okay," he said softly, not believing that they were going to be able to stop Christine ..."um ... how long do we have, before ... before she arrives," He wasn't sure he was going to be ready for this, even though he did want to prove to Christine that she couldn't get to him, that he was going to get through this but he had to, he had to somehow get the energy to face this next part.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"My men will call me when she arrives. We still have some time before she is supposed to arrives" Becker said as gently as he could. He wanted to help them both, let them know they didn't have tot do this alone, but he also didn't want to push hem too hard either. "How about we find something nice and easy to wear. No need to make a big fuss or anything for her" he said trying to sound as casual as he could as he walked to the doorway and brought in a duffle bag and set it on the end of the bed. "I brought in your things from the break room and the lockers" Becker said softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter finally nodded, "okay," he said, "um ... I'll see what clothes I have," it took a bit of effort but he finally stood up from the bed and looked through the duffle bag he found a pair of jeans and a blue button up shirt, "how about these?" he suggested, he didn't quite feel like dressing up for Christine either and since Becker had suggested nice and easy, these seemed like a good option.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"That will be perfect Nick," Becker said with a small smile. He turned his attention to Connor who was still sitting on the edge of the bed, making no move to try and get up again or anything. "Can... you just... find something for me?" Connor asked. He didn't feel like moving or doing much of anything just then. "Of course" Becker said as he gave a sad glance over to Cutter and then started looking through the duffle bag. A minute or two later he held up some trousers, one of Connor's t-shirts, and a clean pair of gloves. "How's this?" Connor looked over, not even really registering what Becker had even chosen. "Yeah... fine" Connor said quietly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter just stared sadly at Connor as he sat back down on the bed, he would eventually start getting changed but even picking out what clothes to wear had taken quite a bit of energy "do you ... um do you know how long Christine is planning on staying? She won't ... she won't try and take us away or anything like that?" he wouldn't put it past her to do something like that, especially once she realised she wasn't going to get her men on the team.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"She may try" Becker said slowly, trying to get the wording right so as not to make Cutter or Connor panic more than they already were. "But she cant do anything to either of you right now. She has nothing on you that hasn't already been in the papers and that hasn't been enough to get her what shes after." Becker put a hand on Connor's shoulder and looked over at Cutter. "And if she tries anything, I promise I am not going to let anything happen to either of you. Christine has been poking at all of us- I wouldn't put it past her to try and turn us against Danny. Or to try and get me onto her side.. again." Becker sighed at that because he was definitely expecting a move like that from her. "But whatever she tries, no one other than Christine and her men, will be leaving the ARC today."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter bit his lip and nodded, "I don't ... I don't know how much more of this I can ..." his voice trailed off, he was trying to be better about talking about his feelings but even this felt like he was saying too much, "I ...I don't know how ..." the words were pouring out of him but he couldn't form a coherent sentence, "I should have just confessed to the treason charges," he said softly, trying to blink away the tears that were threatening to fall.
Becker(thearcfamily)	For a rare moment, but not the first since he accepted Lester's job offer, Becker couldn't keep the emotions off his face. He reached over and put a hand on Cutter's shoulder. "Nick. You have done nothing wrong. Neither has Connor. This is all Christine's doing... you have to remember that. She’s twisting everything in the worst possible way, but you cant believe the lie that things would be better if you had confessed. We need you... and Connor... we need you both." Becker looked at them for a moment before he continued. "Christine might had won this fight, but shes not gotten rid of you, you both are still part of the team, and we still need you. This team would fall apart without either of you. Do not forget that. Please."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter really wanted to believe that but it was hard ... he was losing everything, his reputation, his career and now his second job working for the government that had become his life in the last the couple of years and it was hard to not feel like the team would be better off without him. He let out a sob, the tears falling faster as he stared down at his hands ... he realised he wasn't wearing have any gloves and his hands started shaking as he stared at them. "We've only delayed the inevitable haven't we?" he finally said softly, his shoulders slumping in defeat ... he just wanted this to be over, there didn't seem much point in trying to fight against Christine anymore.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Connor was still sitting silently on the bed, looking down on the pile of clothes in his hands. "Things wont ever go back to the way they were..." he said softly, glancing up at Becker, his eyes wet with tears. "So... so whats... the point in trying?" Becker looked at them, the men he had come to see as friends, some of the few people in the world he would trust with his life. "The point in trying to make this work, is the same as it has been for every mission this team has taken on. It is to do what we can to make things right. The alternative is much worse. It is hard I know, and it looked grim but I promise you both, you are not going through this alone."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled, "I don't ... I don't know how the alternative can be worse," he said softly, still not able to meet Becker's gaze, he let out a sob, "Christine's already taken everything from us ... and she's already going to win, maybe not today but she'll get what she wants, I ... I don't ... I'm tired Becker, I'm tired of this ..." he let out another sob.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker pulled Cutter closer to where he and Connor were and pulled him into a hug. At the same time he put an arm around Connor as well. He just stood there embracing both of them for a moment before saying anything. "I know Nick... I know..." he said simply. "I'm just going to ask you both to do one thing for me. I know I don't have the right to... but just do me this one last thing. After this, you wont have to do anything else. We'll handle things from here. But we need you both for this to work here right now. I... I know I don't have that right. and I hope one day you can forgive me for putting you both in this position."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	And as Cutter leaned into that hug, he burst into tears, he knew they were meeting Christine shortly and it would be obvious that he had been crying and she would be taking advantage of that but he was so tired and everything hurt and he just didn't see how they could get out of this. He couldn't say anything for a while, he just sat there sobbing against Becker's chest.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor leaned against Becker's shoulder. He wanted to cry but the tears had finally dried up. He felt drained and empty. But he also knew Becker was right. They had to at least try, one more time... they couldn't let the team face her alone. "Becker?" he asked softly. "Is... is there actually any hope of beating this?" "There's always hope as long as someone believes enough to keep fighting. I know Lester and the others are not ready to give up yet." Connor nodded slowly and pushed away, wiping his sleeve across his face as he did. "And I.... I'm not ready to give up... not yet." Connor said softly, sounding anything but determined but he knew he did not want to see Christine in charge of the team and the ARC.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter kept crying softly for a few moments longer and then finally he was able to calm down, as he listened to Connor and Becker, finding comfort in that and for a while he focused on his breathing, before he spoke, "I ... I'll do this ... face Christine, show her that ... that she can't win that easily, that I support Danny as leader," he trembled.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Thank you Nick, Connor" Becker said with a sincere nod. "We are going to get through this. I promise." Becker turned to the duffle bag again and dug inside a little deeper and pulled out two more things. Without a word he handed Cutter a pair of gloves and handed Connor his scarf. He didn't know what else he could say to try and help Cutter and Connor through this right now. But he hoped they understood his intent at the very least.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled and nodded, clutching those gloves gratefully as he put them on, his hands still occasionally shaking but he felt a lot calmer than he did previously, "Okay," he said softly, "I ... I guess we really do need to get ready don't we?" he said softly, he wasn't looking forward to it but the sooner he faced Christine, the sooner she could leave.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and gave Cutter a reassuring smile. He then turned to Connor and put a hand on his shoulder. "Let's get ready alright?" He watched Cutter for a moment to see if he needed any help just then and then turned his attention to Connor. He knew what it was like, how it felt to need help when that was the last thing you wanted. He had some idea of what Connor was going though. "Shall we start with the shirt then?" he asked as he picked up the clean shirt and set it on the bed and started helping Connor get changed. It was painfully familiar and it was killing him to see Connor and Cutter like this. And it just made him all the more determined to make sure Christine did not win.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded and then slowly but surely started to get ready, he found that he was mostly okay at getting changed but it was once he got to his shirt that he found he was having trouble doing the buttons. His fingers started trembling and he looked over at Becker, "um ... I need some help," he said quietly, hating that he had to ask for it but his fingers weren't going to cooperate enough for him to finish doing his own shirt.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker had helped Connor as much as he needed, leaving him to finish with his gloves and walked over to Cutter. "No worries Nick" he said softly as he got the stubborn buttons taken care of. "There we go." A moment later his phone rang and Becker answered it, hanging up just a few moments later. He turned and looked at Cutter and Connor and gave as reassuring a smile as he could. "Christine's here. They still have to go through security and all and Lester has to meet them to bring them in. Shall we head over?" he asked softly as he walked back over to Connor to help him get up.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter went extremely pale but he knew that they had to do this, face Christine one more time. “Okay,” he said softly, “I’m …Im ready,” he didn’t feel ready but it was necessary for them to do this. To be united behind Danny, to show that Christine hadn’t won that easily.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Connor nodded slowly as he put his arm around Becker as he helped him up off the bed. Everything hurt and his legs still felt like jello and Connor found himself leaning against Becker more than he liked. "Easy there Connor, I got you" Becker said, going slow and trying to make it as easy on Connor as he could. For a brief moment he had considered offering to go get one of the wheelchairs from the med bay. But he knew Connor wouldn't want it and he didn't want to make him feel any more self-conscious than he already did, It was also probably best to not give Christine such an obvious target right off the bat either. Connor nodded and slowly made his way down the hall with Becker's help, trying to fight down the lump in his throat as they got closer and closer to the HUB center.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took several deep breaths as he, Connor and Becker made their way to the HUB and got situated. Christine hadn’t made it to the HUB yet, she was probably being delayed by James and Jenny so that everyone could get situated. Becker had helped Connor to a chair and Cutter stood behind him, to give him that support. He was terrified of this, it was the last thing he wanted, facing Christine again after everything but they had to do this. They had to be united.
Christine(anomaly_research_nerd)	Christine was hot on Lester's tail, rather annoyed at being kept waiting for so long but she knew it was a delaying tactic, it was rather admirable of James to try and delay the inevitable for so long. Her hungry gaze flickered over to Cutter and Connor, "Nick, Connor ... it's been too long," Cutter forced himself to stare at Christine, trying to keep his expression neutral but he couldn't stop his expression going so pale.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor had to fight the urge to shrink back in the chair when he saw Christine walk in and look at them. That hunger in her eyes and the grin on her face sent him right back to that first 'interview' and the threats she had started to make. Connor kept his head mostly lifted and his eyes on her though he didn't say anything, he felt he would be sick if he said anything just then. He did reach back and grab hold of Cutter's hand that was on his shoulder as he tried to calm his racing heart.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Cutter was glad that Connor was holding onto his hand because he was pretty sure his knees were going to buckle under that gaze but he refused to rise to her bait. "What's the matter boys, cat got your tongue?" Christine smirked. Lester cleared his throat, "okay, I think we've dilly-dallied long enough Christine, shall we get down to business?" "Yes, I understand you've removed Professor Cutter from the leadership role, so the ARC is without a leader," she smiled sweetly as her gaze flickered around the room, noting a newcomer, "well this is interesting," she said to Danny as she looked him up and down, "I don't believe we've had the pleasure,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Detective Constable Quinn" Danny said with a neutral tone and expression as he returned Christine's gaze. "Well, former DC Quinn, I'm recently retired," he said with a glance over toward Lester.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"I see," Christine didn't look impressed, "and what exactly is your purpose here former DC Quinn? Last I checked you didn't work for the ARC?" "Ah I'm glad you brought that up Christine," Lester spoke up, "as you so correctly noted with Professor Cutter no longer being team leader, we were in need of a new leader, former DC Quinn has graciously agreed to fill that position," Christine's expression fell for just a moment and then she quickly recovered, "well that's interesting and how convenient," Her gaze flickered over to Becker, "now I would have thought James would have at least tried to hire you for the position, it must hurt to have someone with no experience in this field come in and take it,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Quite the contrary, Ma'am" Becker said with so much professionalism it almost seemed like an insult in a way. " I was quite happy to hear Mr. Quinn was joining the team. His experience is quite impressive, and I believe he will be an asset to the team. I look forward to working under his guidance going forward." Becker glanced at Danny with a small nod and Danny returned it with the faintest of smirks.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine glanced between Becker or Danny, "really?" she kept her expression neutral but she did pick up on the way that Becker used the word ma'am, she was actually rather impressed with how he managed to make that sound like an insult. "And Professor Cutter or I suppose it's just Mr. Cutter now isn't it? What with the university investigation and all looking into behaviour of misconduct," Cutter stiffened, "Mr. Quinn has my full support as ARC leader," he said as calmly as he could manage it. "And you Connor? Are you toeing the company line as well and supporting Mr. Quinn in his role?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor lifted his gaze and looked right at Christine, though he was absolutely terrified doing so. "No company line. I support Mr. Quinn fully of my own judgment and my own accord. If N...If Cutter can't be leader, Danny is a natural choice for team lead." Connor still had a hold on Cutter's hand and gave it a squeeze as he spoke. Danny caught Connor and Cutter's gaze and gave a small nod of thanks before he put his attention back on Christine, trying to read her reaction to all of that.
Christine(anomaly_research_nerd)	Christine's gaze lingered on Connor and Cutter for a few more moments, she noticed how tightly Cutter seemed to be clinging to Connor's shoulder. She knew she had them rattled, even if they weren't given her that benefit. "So the best replacement you could find was only a former DC? This is who you're choosing to support for team leader? I must say I'm rather disappointed James ...I thought you would have tried to find someone more worthy than former DC Quinn, what you couldn't find anyone who had made it to the rank of DS or DI?" Lester glanced over at Danny and then back to Christine "Mr. Quinn has plenty of experience as a cop I assure you Christine, he has over 20 years of being a cop, he'll be a fine addition to this team I assure you,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Pretty sure I'm up to the challenge, Ms. Johnson was it?" Danny asked with a grin. He knew her type, trying to intimidate and manipulate. Danny had a pretty good idea what her next comment would be and decided to save her the time. And maybe get a little jav of his own in. "And I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunity to work together. I look forward to demonstrating my skills."
Christine(thearcfamily)	“Of that I am certain,” Christine’s gaze flickered to Danny, “and you’re certain you’re up to the challenge of leading someone like Captain Becker, considering his less than savoury record? Such a shame really, his negligence resulting in the loss of his men,” she looked between the two, “are you up to that challenge?”
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker tensed at that. He knew she would likely go for the lowblow, try and drive a wedge in the team somewhere.... But the lies and twisted truths still stung. Especially since it was partly true he had been the one in charge on that mission. Becker looked over at Danny and didn't say anything. "Im sure we'll manage" Danny said simply. "I don't put much stock in tabloid that don't bother to check their sources. Those articles are totally unfounded and rely on crackpot journalism and shoddy sources." Did Danny know Christine had been using herself as a source? Yes yes he did. And that grin showed it.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine pursed her lips at that, "and I wonder what skeletons you're hiding in your closest Mr. Quinn," she looked him up and down, "especially since James isn't known for being a good judge of character when it comes to hiring staff after all he hired a Professor who slept with his students, one of which happened while his wife was missing presumed dead to lead this team previously," She took great delight at seeing Cutter visibly flinch at that, despite his best efforts to control himself. "Well, it's a very good thing we're going to be working so intimately with each other isn't it Mr. Quinn?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor couldn't help the reaction as that insult was thrown in his and Cutter's faces all over again. He felt Cutter's grip on his shoulder and he gave a squeeze of his hand as he tried to keep his emotions under control. Whether and angry outburst or a total break down, neither would do them any good and would just give Christine more ammo against them. So Connor bit his lip and dropped his gaze, staring down at his hand, his eyes slowly trailing up the lingering bruised-like marks on his arm from where the infection had been. He could do this. He just had to stay quiet a little longer. Connor was shaken from his dazed thoughts when Becker spoke up. "Is there a point to all this, Ma'am?" he asked pointedly. "Because I was under the impression this meeting was to confirm the new team leader for the ARC. Not throwing around baseless claims and accusations about members of the team."
Christine(thearcfamily)	“Yes I do believe we’re done here,” Lester spoke up, glad for the chance to help Christine leave the ARC. “For now,” Christine said simply as she looked over at the group one more time, “the Minister will have to confirm this of course once I give my report, this isn’t over,”, she stared pointedly at Becker and Danny, “and I wouldn’t get too. comfortable boys,” she looked over at Nick and Connor, “you’re days of freedom are quite numbered,” Cutter gripped tightly to Connor’s shoulder, it was taking all of his effort to not collapse at that.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor clung to Cutter's hand as if it was a literal lifeline keeping Christine from dragging him away right then and there. He stared at Christine, trying his best to not let the terror he felt show through. They were almost through with this. She was going to leave. He just had to hold off a little longer. Connor glanced from Becker to Danny and then to Christine again. He felt like he was going to be sick.
Christine(anomaly_research_nerd)	Christine’s gaze lingered hungrily on Nick and Connor before Lester cleared his throat, “Captain Becker could you please escort Ms. Johnston and her men out of the building?”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Aye Sir" Becker said with a nod as he took a few steps forward, passing by where Cutter and Connor were. He put a hand on their shoulder in turn and then stopped in front of Christine. He waited for her to give her men the order to file out. Becker gave a slight raise of ane eyebrow when she made no move to do so and tilted his head toward the door. "I do believe the meeting is adjourned," Danny said, looking at Christine a bit coldly. "Or do you want me to make my first official order as team leader and order you to leave the premises?"
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine stared coldly at Danny, “that won’t be necessary,” she remarked tightly, “enjoy your new position while you can Mr. Quinn,” she said lightly and then she nodded to her men, “we’re done here,” and then she turned to begin following her men out of the building.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Danny gave a small smirk and an almost teasing wave to Christine's back as she left. Becker followed after to make sure they actually left and didn't try to do anything funny on the way out. He gave a small nod to Lester as he passed by and continued to escort Christine and her men out of the ARC.ce? Yes yes he did. And that grin showed it.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter hardly dared to breathe as Christine and her men finally left and once he was absolutely sure he was gone, he found his knees buckling and he was sinking towards the ground. Luckily he had somehow managed to keep holding onto Connor’s shoulder as he lost balance or he would have already hit the ground.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny was at his side in an instant, grabbing his arm to help him stay upright and helping to support him until Jenny brought over a chair for him. He then helped Cutter sit down in the chair beside Connor. "You guys alright?" he asked. He knew the answer was probably no but he still needed to ask. Danny knelt down in front of the chairs and looked from Cutter to Connor for a moment sadly. "I'm sorry to put you both through that" he said softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled as Danny caught him and helped him into a chair. It took him a moment to remember that Christine was gone, that she couldn't use any of this against him, he stared down at his gloved hands and then looked up at Danny again, "we both wanted to be here," he said quietly, "to give our support, so that Christine can't try and break the team,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Connor nodded in agreement, not quite able to speak just yet he was trembling so badly. He was tired. his head was pounding, Hise entire body ached. And he still felt sick. It was all just too much and he looked over at Cutter and leaned against him as the tears started to fall, soon turning into full sobs as all the fear, exhaustion, and anger spilled over at last.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter leaned against Connor, tears of his own spilling down his cheeks as he held onto him, offering what comfort he could as Connor cried. He was tired and he was scared of what else Christine might have planned. He knew this setback wasn't going to stop her and she had as good as threatened that she was going to come back and arrest them. He trembled and a few sobs of his own escaped.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"You guys did great" Danny said, putting a hand on each of their shoulders as he looked at them. "You made a huge sacrifice being here, and I want you to know I appreciate it. We're not going to let Christine win that easily. Ain't that right, Guv?" Danny said as he glanced over his shoulder at Lester.
Cutter(itsannaomaly)	Cutter managed to nod at that, not able to say anything as the tears silently rolled down his cheeks. Lester nodded, "Mr. Quinn is right, you both did an excellent job being here and standing up to Christine, I know this wasn't easy for the both of you," he hesitated, looked back towards the door to make sure Christine wasn't there and then added, "how about we get you both back to your office Nick? Give you both a chance to recover and pack up some things to take back to Fandom with you?" Cutter looked surprised, "but our access has been revoked?" he glanced at Connor before looking up at Lester. "Yes but Christine doesn't know it's been revoked straight away, you'll be able to get at least another day in there before she finds out," Lester nodded.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor held Cutter close and lifted his head and stared at Lester as he offered to let them go to Cutter's office. "Can...can we? I know we... we cant take a lot but... there are some research papers, new prototype schematics... things I don't want Christine to possibly get a hold of." Connor didn't know if he would be able to but he wanted to try and find a way to keep working on things even back in Fandom so he could still help the team in some way. Danny looked from Lester to Connor and have a small smirk. "I'm sure we can drip feed some stuff to you both now and then... slow enough where Christine probably won't notice. We're not going to just roll over to her, I can promise you both that much. This team has sacrificed too much to just let her win and take control... especially you two."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter bit his lip and he nodded at that, “I guess. I guess that wouldn’t be too bad, if we can take some of the research and can continue working on it back at Fandom … I’d …I’d like to keep working with Sarah, finishing the anomaly research prediction model,” “Well if you keep it strictly to mythological research, I don’t see that being a problem,” Lester nodded, “and if you happened to recreate your own model in Fandom, well that would be your intellectual property and not the ARC’s,” he added pointedly with a slight smile, “same with you Connor, anything you make outside the ARC, is your own, the government won’t be able to take it from you,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave a slight smirk and nodded at what Lester said. "Ok, then we work on things on our own, see what we can do to help, without getting too involved and tangled up in everything" Connor said feeling a faint glint of hope that maybe they could make this work somehow. And just then Becker returned and walked over and slumped into one of the empty chairs nearby. "That woman is impossible!" he groaned as he rubbed his face. "She went from trying to get me to join her and Wilder to threatening to get me bumped down to mall security credentials in the span of about five minutes!" Becker looked around and met Cutter and Connor's gaze and gave a small smile. "She's gone. I watched them drive off myself."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded at what Lester was saying, already having ideas on how he could recreate the anomaly prediction model including adding some improvements and then he felt relieved when Becker came back and announced that Christine was gone, "how long do you think it will be before she tries to come back?" he said, feeling rather worried that Christine would just turn around and come back to the ARC. "Well if she ends up going straight to the Minister, it's going to be at least a day," Lester considered, "so the sooner we can get you and Connor packed up and get you both safely to Fandom, the safer you'll be from Christine,"
Connor(anomaly_reserch_nerd)	"Guess we better go and get started then huh?" Connor said with a weak sigh as he tried to get up. His legs were a little better than they had but he still felt unsteady. "I ummmm.... I may still need some help" he said awkwardly.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester was immediately by Connor's side to help him stand up, "I've got you Connor," he said gently, "let's get you and Nick back to his office, you'll be able to get some much needed rest as well when you're there," he told them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as he stood again, trying not to lean too heavily against Lester as he did. "Alright, lets... lets go" he said as he looked at Cutter. And as they started to make their way down the hallway towards Cutter's office Connor looked around and gave a small nod to Danny and to Becker.
Cutter(itsannaomaly)	Cutter gave a tired nod at Danny and Becker as they left and he followed slowly behind Lester and Connor back to his office ... which it felt weird to think it wasn't going to be his office for much longer. He felt rather numb as they walked and he tried to convince himself that he would be coming back to the ARC after this, it wasn't going to end like this.