A Safehouse - London

[itsananomaly]

One morning, several weeks after there had been hiding at the safe house, Jenny had managed to get a hold of Lester one morning and had been able to talk to him for a few minutes. She came back looking very troubled, "I talked to James," she said softly, "we're going to have company, he says Christine's figured out a rough idea of the safe house," Cutter paled considerably at that and looked nervously at Connor. [adapted in part from Series 3 Episode 6 'For the Birds'. CW for violence and torture. Preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Crap... I mean I know we cant stay here forever but.... I had hoped we would be able to hold out a little longer" Connor said as he rubbed the back of his head. "Did... Lester give any idea on how soon? Do... do we have time to try and find somewhere else to hide out?"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny shook her head, "he couldn't say, he said it would take a few hours to drive out here so we have at least that long to figure out a plan of attack," she looked over at Connor and then Becker, "I don't know if we have enough time to find a new place, the only thing working in our favour at the moment is these grounds are vast, maybe we can hide out in the woods?" she suggested, even though she didn't think that would work for long.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We could try... might be able to buy a little time. If nothing else it will make her work a little harder to find us in the end" Connor said, trying to not sound overly worried.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Maybe we could split up?" Jenny considered, "what if some of us stay in the safe house and then the rest of the party, take off to the woods? Nick and Connor, you should definitely be in the group that hide in the woods," she nodded.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Becker and I will stay here. We're not going to be able to keep up on the run out there" Danny said looking over at Becker. "We can stay here and keep Christine and her goons occupied, give you guys a little time to try and get as far into the woods as you can." "I agree" Becker said after a moment's thought. "If Christine is going to find us I say we give her a fight to the end and make her work for it all the way. She'll want to parade us in front of Lester, so let's make her really put in the effort!"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny nodded, understanding what Becker and Danny meant, "thank you," she told them, "I know we'r not going to be able to completely hold her off but if we can delay the inevitable, even a few hours, it gives James extra time to come up with a plan," she tilted her head, "okay so Becker and Danny will stay here and then Sarah, Nick, Connor and I will find a spot to hide in the woods and we'll see what happens,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as he looked around at the rest of the team. "Danny and I will barricade the best we can here, make Christine's men work for it. Just... make sure you guys take care of yourself. We are more valuable to Christine alive at this point, but don't take any unnecessary risk. She'll take any opportunity she can to do what she can before she brings us in" Becker glanced down at the leg that was making it where he had to stay behind in the first place. "Just.... be careful please."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Cutter felt terrible but he knew that this was the best course of action, "we'll be careful," he said softly, "and we'll stay together," he added, because yes he knew it was ironic that he was the one saying that but so much had happened these last few weeks and he knew what this last stand meant. Jenny nodded, "you too be careful as well," she said softly, "we'll get as many supplies as we can and hide out in the woods, we may be able to hold off her men for a while, we can set up a few traps as well,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"We will" Danny said. "And remember, no matter what happens over here you guys stay hidden. Connor and Cutter are the ones shes after. Don't blow cover to come check on us or come try and rescue us. We'll be fine." "So I guess this is it then" Connor said softly. "The final stand. Let's get ready then since we don't know when Christine and her men will be here."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah looked at Becker and Danny, worried for the both of them but she knew they had to do as they said, she went over to give Becker a hug, "please be careful," she said as she did. She didn't like the thought of that woman having another go at him or Danny. Jenny watched them and looked back at the team, "okay we're going to grab what supplies we can, help Becker and Danny fortify the safe house and we need to do this within the hour, we need to get a good head start on Christine and her men,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker stood as Sarah came over and he returned the hug. "We'll be fine. You take care of yourself you hear me?" he said softly and then, ignoring everyone else there and everything that was going on for one moment he leaned over and kissed Sarah softly. "Now go get what you need, Danny and I will get started on fortifying things" he said with as confident a smile as he could though it was still somewhat sad as he pulled away from Sarah.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"I will." Sarah said as she returned the kiss, "I'll go and help Jenny with the supplies," she looked reluctant to pull away but she knew that they didn't have much time. "I'll go and get the artefact and our research," Cutter said looking over at Connor as Sarah reluctantly left Becker to go and help Jenny with the supplies, "the last thing we need is for Christine to get her hands back on the artefact as well,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I think we might want to consider hiding the artifact and research somewhere in the woods" Connor offered as he followed after Cutter. "We could hide it and then come back for it later if Lester can manage to send someone out for it. At least then it wont just be grabbed by Christine when she catches up to us?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Actually that's probably the safest option for the artefact and research," Cutter nodded as they went to the room where it was located, "especially if we hide it somewhere, even if Christine and her men search for it, they won't be able to find it as easily and we could delay her even more," he considered.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Exactly" Connor agreed as he got the artifact out and carefully checked it before putting it back in the protective case. "It's better off being lost again for a time than to be in Christine's hand. So I say we find a place to hide it then we find a place to hide ourselves- make it as hard as possible for Christine to get everything she wants." "I think it's a good idea too" Danny said as he limped into the room to grab a few things from the closet. "Make it as hard as possible for her in every way."
Cutter(itsannanomaly)	Cutter nodded, "then we do that," he said, "let's find a good remote spot in the woods and make sure to cover our tracks as well, Christine probably has really good trackers as well, we don't want them to be able to find us or the artefact that easily, if we can play our cards right maybe we can get an extra day or two hiding out in the woods from her,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We'll give you as much time as we can" Danny said as he grabbed the bags he had been looking for and headed back to the others to start helping them pack their supplies. "Alright" Connor said putting a hand on Cutter's shoulder when they were alone. "We'll hide the artifact and our research and then hunker down as long as we can. There's rumors of caves and such around here since we're at the foot of the mountains. Maybe we can find a small cave to hide out in for a day or two." Connor gave Cutter's shoulder a squeeze and then slung the artifact and research bag over his shoulder. "Let's go see how the others are getting along, see what else we can grab before we head out."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Thank you Danny," Cutter said softly as he looked over at Connor, appreciating the shoulder squeeze, he nodded, "let's go and see what else we can get, hiding out in a cave or something wouldn't be too bad, especially if Christine and her men aren't familiar with this terrain either," he said tilting his head slightly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye and if its a small enough cave we can try and conceal it so its even harder for them to find in the first place." Connor was feeling confident- at least more than he had been earlier- about their odds of at least keeping Christine occupied for a little longer and keeping her off Lester's back. "Alright" Becker said as he looked at the bags and packs that were packed up and ready to go on the couch. "We got one bag for each of you and be sure you take most of the water. Danny and I will be on our own only a few hours most likely from what Lester told Jenny. You all will need the rations more than we will. We'll keep enough water for a day or two but the rest you guys should take."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, he knew that logically it made the most sense for them to take the rations, "I think that will work out best, especially if we can only hold them back a day or two, maybe if we're lucky we can stretch the rations, try and get an extra day out of it if we can, really make it as difficult for Christine as we can,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Alright, Jenny take your phone. I got the burner phone but don't use it unless absolutely necessary. Do not call or attempt to contact for at least three days. We all should be good for that long before things get too hairy for us." Becker nodded silently, trying not to meet Sarah's gaze just then cuz he didn't want her to see how worried he was.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Jenny nodded, "alright, we'll go radio silence for the next few days," she said softly as she went over the last of the bags to make sure there wasn't anything they had forgotten to grab. Sarah bit her lip as she looked over at Becker, she didn't like the idea of them splitting up but she knew it was important, "I guess this is it then?" she said quietly. Cutter nodded, "its still pretty light outside, I think if we start out now, we might be able to find a good spot, at least this will give us the advantage for a bit that way,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded as he helped Jenny and the others get loaded up and walked them out of the safehouse. He glanced over his shoulder at Becker and gave Jenny a look. "Let's get a general idea which way you guys are heading"he said. "That way Beck and I can make sure to send Christine's goons in the opposite direction." Becker found himself standing in the safehouse alone other than Sarah., He finally looked up at her and tried to say something but couldn't so he just pulled her close into a tight hug. "I'll come get you soon ok? We're going to get through this" he said, trying to convince himself as much as Sarah just then that they could actually avoid Christine fully. "I know you'll take care of the others, but you look out for yourself too alright?"
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah trembled as she wrapped her arms tightly around Becker and held him close, "I will do my best to," she said softly, she knew that she wasn't going to be able to stop worrying about everyone though, "please be careful too," she found herself blinking back tears as she clung tightly to Becker, "I love you,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker felt his throat tighten as he swallowed hard, trying to push back the tears as he held Sarah close. "Will do" Becker gave Sarah a tight squeeze as he kissed the top of her head. "I love you too Sarah" he whispered as he held her close for a few more minutes. Then reluctantly, he let go and gave a small smile. "See you soon" he said as he watched her leave to go join the others.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah blinked back those tears as she stepped back, she gave him a wave, "I'll see you then," she said softly and then she went to join the others, "so do we have everything we need?" she asked, trying to keep the trembling out of her voice as she asked.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I think we're as ready as we will ever be" Connor said as he adjusted the straps on his backpack and helped Cutter with his. "Got the food and water, the blankets, and other supplies. And Cutter has the artifact and research we are going to hide along the way so Christine wont be able to find it easily." "Alright now get going you lot" Danny said, trying to keep his tone level and trying to act like the leader though he felt like anything but a leader just then. "Get going while you still have daylight in your favor. Stay safe...We'll see you guys on the other side of all this mess."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Thank you for everything," Cutter said softly as Connor helped him finish adjusting his backpack, he wished that it didn't sound so final, "we'll see you in a few days hopefully, good luck," he added to Becker and Danny.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave a small nod, not trusting himself to speak just then and turned and started into the woods. He looked down at the compass in his hands and then pointed as he looked at Jenny. "Off we go then" he said softly and started leading them into the woods. Becker stood on the porch of the safe house and watched them go. Once they were out of sight he turned and looked at Danny. "So they were heading East" he said simply, making sure he remembered that so they could send Christine in any direction but that.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took a deep breath and with one last look back at the safehouse and then hurried along to catch up to Connor so that they could walk together. "Do you think they're going to be alright back at the house?" he asked softly, he couldn't help but feel worried.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"They'll be fine" Connor said with a nod that was a bit more confident than he felt. "We all will be" he added as he scanned the area as they walked, looking for any place to hide the artifact as they hurried further and further into the woods.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It took them a while of searching but they eventually found a good sized cave that they could hide in and had set up camp there. As Jenny and Sarah got everything set up, Cutter looked outside the cave, "I think we should set up some security warning system as well? Maybe with the branches or something? So we have a heads up just in case?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Good idea" Connor nodded in agreement. "You and I can set up something. I grabbed the twine from the safe house and I think we could use some of the soda cans once they are empty to string up. Only have a few of them but it would give us some noise alert at least if someone is getting close" he considered.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a small smile at that, "I think that could definitely work, at least then we won't be caught completely off guard," he added, "and it will give us something work on later,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye, sounds like a plan" Connor set his pack down and pulled out two cans of soda and held one out to Cutter with a grin. "What? I'm thirsty, and we might as well drink them now so we can use them. Save the water for later when we'll really need it."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	And for the first time since they'd had to make their escape from the safe house, Cutter couldn't help but laugh at that, "I can't argue with that," he grinned as he took the offered can of soda, "and it will be nice to have a bit of a break after our trek out here,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded and handed sodas out to Jenny and Sarah too. "I think we all deserve a small break! We can get started on everything else soon."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Jenny and Sarah had no objections with having a soda break so they gratefully accepting the sodas. "That does sound like a good idea," Cutter agreed as he took a seat and began to drink his soda, "at least we've got a pretty good head start on Christine, so we should be able to hide out for a day or two hopefully,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye, the artifact and research are safe, we are as safe as we can be for the most part, all that is left is to hunker down and wait it out." Connor drank some of the soda and then his expression went a little sad as he looked back at Cutter. "Wonder how Becker and Danny are holding up?" he asked softly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"OK I think that's about the best we are going to be able to manage," Becker said as he sank onto the couch. "The door is as barricaded as it's going to get short of moving the couch in front of it." He winced slightly, his leg definitely protesting all the moving and pushing and pulling they had been doing the last hour or so.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny looked over at Becker with concern, "are you alright?" he asked, "do you want to sit down for a bit, we should still have a bit of time before Christine comes," he looked over at the barricaded door, doing his best to not feel so uneasy but not really succeeding.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Maybe just... a few minutes. Then I should be alright..." Becker said less than convincingly. "Just over did the leg a bit. Little rest and I should be good. Won't say no to one of the water bottles though" he said with a somewhat apologetic look. He hated that despite everything he still was laid up so much with his leg. "Might as well be as prepared as possible for whatever Christine decides to throw at us right?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"You sit down, I'll go and get you some water," Danny assured him, "I think we should both try and take it easy for what's coming, I don't think Christine is going to go easy on us, she'll be more determined than ever," The thought terrified him.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Our only upper hand is stalling her to find out where the rest of the team went. When she realizes we don't have the artifact anymore shes not going to have a lot of reason stick around. We have to keep her and her cronies here searching as long as possible" Becker said with a sigh as he tried to relax on the couch a bit, but finding that near impossible to do all things considered.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded, "and that will be especially so when she finds out Cutter and Connor aren't here either, she'll want both them and the artefact so she can have her moment of triumph," he said softly as he sat down on the couch next to Becker, "I think between the two of us we should keep her interests elsewhere for a while, maybe she'll think there's a secret cellar here?" he said trying to sound hopeful.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I moved the storage chest in the back room," Becker said looking over at Danny. "It's slightly out of place so maybe she will think there's a cellar or hidden space under the floorboards. That was my thinking at least. Find as many ways as we can to draw her attention and keep her here."
Danny(thearcfamily)	"That's a good idea," Danny nodded approvingly, "and I made sure to make it look like that the Cutter and the others went off in a different direction than they did, I know Christine will have trackers with her and they'll pick up the scent but I thought I'd try and make their job as difficult as possible,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as he finished the water bottle and looked around at the small house they had all been cooped up in. It felt so big and empty now with just the two of them there. "Smart move. I know... I know I would just slow the team down if I went with them. I.. You could have gone with them, but... I'm glad you stayed though Danny."
Danny(thearcfamily)	"You're stuck with me Hills," Danny told him, "we've made this far, I'm not going to leave you to the mercy of Christine, we're going to get through this together and give the others enough time," he was quiet for a moment, "but I was never going to leave you, the others will be alright, the two of us can hold the fort as best we can"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker smiled gratefully and put a hand on Danny's shoulder. He was about to say something when the stillness from the woods was broken. He looked at Danny. his heart sinking as he tried to keep the terrified look off his face. It was Christine and her men. They were close. There was no chance of them not finding the safehouse at this point. "I got your back" he said softly as he looked at Danny before turning his gaze towards the door, wishing there was something he could actually do to try and put up a fight.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"And I have yours," Danny nodded and then several minutes later, they could hear the sound of someone trying to break down the door. So far the barricade seemed to be working. "I guess we'll see how good our barricade is now right?" Danny said nervously as he watched the door.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded, wishing he had more than the walking stick he had been using to get around the safehouse the last few days. He gripped it tightly as he sat on the edge of the bed. He could hear shouting and cursing and the all-too-familiar sound of Christine and Wilder's voices. Eventually, the barricade started to give way and as the door started to crack and splinter Becker staggered to his feet. He might barely be up on two legs but he was going to meet Christine and Wilder standing up like a man.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Danny did the same thing, he wasn't going to just sit down when Christine and Wilder came in and a few minutes later a group of soldiers surrounded the pair of them and Christine and Wilder entered the safe house. "Hello boys," she smiled, "it's been far too long, have you missed me?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Like a bad head cold" Becker said trying to not lean too obviously on the walking stick as he did. He looked from Christine to Wilder and had to fight back the shiver he felt run through him, looking at his old Captain again, the anger still clearly burning in his eyes as he glared at him and Danny.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"Now now, it doesn't have to be like that," Christine smiled as her gaze flickered to the walking stick Becker was using, "we don't have to drag this out any longer, all you have to do is hand over Cutter and Connor and then the artefact and we can put this sorry affair behind us," she looked at Becker and Danny, "this is a limited time offer only boys," she added.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Yeah not gonna happen" Danny said as he stood beside Becker and stared Wilder down as he did. "You can take the offer and shove it" he said, turning to look at Christine as he did. "You are not getting the artifact, you are not getting Cutter, and you are not getting Connor. So just leave already and admit you've failed, Christine."
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine shook her head, "how disappointing," she sighed and then looked over at Captain Wilder, "clearly we still need to teach these boys a lesson, would you care to do the honours?" "With pleasure ma'am," Wilder said, betraying no emotion as he did and he walked over to Danny and then punched him squarely in the jaw.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Danny!" Becker cried out as he tried to step towards Danny, trying to put himself between Danny and Wilder. "I'm fine... Becker" Danny said through the pain as he reached up and touched his throbbing jaw and glared at Wilder. "Old man's mostly bark, hardly any bite!"
Christine(thearcfamily)	Wilder sneered at Danny as he began to start punching him in the stomach as well, he took great delight in making his punches quick and making sure they hit in all the spots were it would really hurt. "Let's try this again shall we?" Christine said after she let Wilder have a few more minutes of punching Danny, "the artefact, Cutter and Connor. NOW!"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Pathetic dog" Wilder spat as he stood over Danny. Becker couldn't take it, watching Wilder let loose on Danny all over again. Without thinking Becker glared at Wilder when he had finally stopped. Without even thinking and somehow moving faster than he should have with his leg the way it was, Becker ran at Wilder. "You're not going to lay a finger on them again" Becker yelled. He gripped the walking stick in both hands and held it out, trying to catch Wilder and drive him back away from Danny.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Wilder was caught off guard, he hadn't been expecting Becker to come at him like that and it took him a moment to regain his balance and he reached out and grabbed the stick off Becker, he aimed a kick directly at his bad leg again. "Don't forget what I did to your leg last time boy," Wilder spat as he did.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker held onto the stick as long as he could but Wilder managed to wrench it away and then before Becker could do anything to really protect himself Wilder kicked his bad leg out from under him. Becker sank to the ground, biting back a cry of pain and instinctively lifted his arm to try and block the blow in case Wilder started swinging the stick his direction.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled as she watched Wilder and Becker fight. "This can all end you know," she said casually, "tell me what I want to know and you won't have to suffer any more pain," Wilder glared at Becker and then aimed the stick in the direction of his bad leg.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"We'll never give you the artifact, or Cutter, or Connor!" Becker said as he watched Wilder. He knew that was the wrong answer and he knew what was going to happen. But he had known too that this was what he had to expect, they had to do this to keep Cutter and Connor and the others safe. Becker watched as Wilder brought the stick down and tried his best to shield himself, trying to pull his legs up as close as he could before Wilder could strike.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"You'll regret that boy," Wilder sneered and he brought the stick down repeatedly on Becker, trying to strike where Becker was most vulnerable. Christine shook her head, "search the house," she ordered her men, "turn over everything I want the artefact, Cutter and Connor Now!"
Danny(thearcfamily)	For a moment Danny was torn over whether to try and get Wilder away from Becker or to try and stall Christine's men. He caught Becker's gaze as he curled up on the floor trying to shield himself from Wilder's attack and he nodded to Danny. Danny gave an apologetic nod and then spun around and stepped between Christine's men and the doorway that led into the rest of the safehouse. "Nothing to see back there really mate," he said to the closest guard, trying to sound relaxed and casual. "It's actually a bit of a mess. All cluttered... we would have straightened up more but you guys showed up unannounced and all."
Christine(thearcfamily)	The guard said nothing at first as he focused on ordering his men to keep searching, "you would do better if you saved everyone's time and told us what we were looking for," he levelled his gun at Danny's chest, "I won't hesitate to shoot you,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"You don't know what you are looking for?" Danny quirked an eyebrow as he looked over at Christine. "You really didn't bother to brief them on what the artifact looks like or who it is they are looking for? Now that is some pretty shoddy preparations Chrsitine, really..." Danny took a breath to keep the panic down. He was glad he had had the foresight to have brought his old Kevlar vest with him when he left the force. And he was thanking his lucky stars he had been able to grab it on their rush to leave the ARC. That vest might be the only thing that kept him from dying at the hands of a trigger-happy guard.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine rolled her eyes, "stalling won't save Cutter or Connor, Mr. Quinn," she merely said as the guard brought his gun down and struck Danny in the head with it. "We will find them, the only question is how much do you value you your own lives?" she said pointedly.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny felt himself start to black out at the impact of the hit as he sank to the floor. He managed to push himself up enough to look over towards Becker to see Wilder standing over him. "Nothing... is as important... as Cutter... or Connor.." Danny groaned.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine shook her head, "I'm disappointed in you boys, I thought how last meeting would made you more agreeable to us but I think we still need to teach you a lesson, Captain ..." she nodded over at Wilder. Wilder didn't respond to that instead he raised Becker's stick that he was still holding and brought it down hard, first on his bad leg and then his head.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Danny..." Becker gasped between the blows as he tried to turn his head towards Danny but couldn't. "Don't tell... them... anything!" Danny bit his lip and swallowed down the lump that started to form. He just stayed where he was, sprawled on the ground, as he heard the sounds of Christine's men starting to tear through the house in their search.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine watched the chaos unfold as Wilder continued to belt Becker, around the house there were sounds of furniture being overturned. "Ma'am?" one of the soldiers called from the back room, "I think we've found something," Danny made a show of making a low moan, whimpering at that discovery.
Becker(thearcfamily)	It was only at that announcement that Wilder stopped the beating, his eyes going towards Christine, silently waiting for her orders. Becker whimpered, from the pain but also as he finally lifted his head to look at Danny. He knew they had found their 'fake' trap door.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"Finally, someone around here knows what they're doing," Christine growled and she strode over to the back room to see what was happening, "well what have you found," "Ma'am," the soldier pointed toward the trunk, "I think its a trap door underneath," "Move it," Christine ordered.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny watched as Wilder started to follow after Christine. Once they were alone he crawled over to where Becker lay on the ground. "Hils... you alright?" Danny asked, knowing the answer to the question already but still wanting to see how his friend was. "Danny... did they find it?" Becker asked through gritted teeth, eyes still closed. "Yeah, they just found the trunk" Danny said softly as he tried to help Becker up.
Christine(thearcfamily)	It wasn't long at all before Christine realised that the trunk was a cover and she stormed back out to Becker and Danny, "real cute boys," Christine snarled, "I think we might need to enhance our interrogation techniques?" and it was here that she strode over to Danny where he was trying to help Becker up, she grabbed him by the hair and pulled it back, "tell me where the artefact, Connor and Cutter are,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny let out a howl of pain as he was caught off guard. As Christine pulled him back it felt like she was going to tear out a handful of his hair in the process. "Hey easy there" he said through gritted teeth even as tears started to form in his eyes. "I know you like it rough but... you really are not my type" he quipped, knowing full well that would just piss off Christine more. But that was the goal, that was their mission, distract her for as long as possible.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"Oh you haven't seen me play it rough yet Mr. Quinn," Christine growled and then for good measure she found a good clump of Danny's hair and she pulled at it, determined to tear the clump of hair off. "Now, tell me what I want to know," she spat.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny howled in pain and gasped as he glared at Christine. "You'll never.... find them... or the... artifact" he gasped out even as he cried, looking at the handful of hair Christine came away with. His eyes were tearing up and his head was swimming as he tried to keep himself conscious and fighting.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smirked in triumphant at the clump of hair that she had pulled from Danny's head, "you're not going to start crying on me now are you Quinn?" she taunted, "I'll give you something to cry about if you don't tell me what I want to know," and then she slapped Danny hard on both cheeks.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"You're never going to find them" Becker said from where he still laid on the floor. "Neither of you... are going to win!" Silently Becker hoped Cutter, Connor and the others had managed to find a place to hide out. Because while he could tell it was getting darker outside as he glanced at the window, he had no idea how late it was really. He just hoped he and Danny were buying them enough time... because he wasn't sure how much longer he could out.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"Wrong answer I'm afraid," Christine shook her head, "Captain?" she looked at Wilder with a nod. Wilder brought down the stick hard on Becker, striking at every part of Becker's body that he could and then for an added measure he kicked Becker in the stomach and his bad leg.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker tried to shield himself but he couldn't block all the blows and the longer Wilder went the more blows found their marks. Becker laid sprawled on the floor shaking from the pain as he let out a choked sob. He couldn't keep it back any more. He felt himself starting to black out from the pain. "Not... going to.. find them...." he gasped as he started to pass out.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"Absolutely pathetic," Wilder spat, "I taught you better then than boy," he grasped a handful of Becker's hair and pulled him up so that he was lifted off the ground, "oh no, I'm not finished with you yet," and then he proceeded to keep each of Becker's cheeks a slap to make sure he would stay awake.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"B-ba-stard!" Becker gasped as he barely kept his head up as Wilder slapped him hard. "They're not here" Danny gasped out, struggling to his feet as he levelled his gaze at Christine then glared at Wilder. "You're never... going to... find them!"
Christine(thearcfamily)	Wilder growled and slapped Becker again for good measure. "Then you're going to start talking and tell us where they are," Christine narrowed her eyes at Danny, glaring at him as she did, "or I'll set Captain Wilder loose, he's been holding back this entire time, I'm sure dear Hillary wouldn't survive another round of this,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Don't know" Danny said simply as he wrapped his arms around himself and tried to stay standing though he felt like he was going to collapse to the floor at any minute."They headed out... without us. Not sure where they were headed."
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine reached out to grab Danny so that he wouldn't collapse, "tell me in what direction?" she demanded to know, "which direction did they head off in?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"South..." Danny gasped out after holding back as long as he could. He glanced at Becker apologetically and then looked up at Christine. "They went South..."
Christine(thearcfamily)	"Good boy that wasn't so hard was it?" Christine gave Danny a mocking pat on the head as she roughly let go over him, "alright, start searching the area, start south," she ordered, "Captain Wilder you lead the search," "Yes ma'am," Wilder gave one last look of contempt at Becker and then stormed out of the house. Christine took a chair as she looked at Danny and Becker, "looks like we're going to be spending a lot of time with each other boys,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny let out a howl of pain as he was caught off guard. As Danny sank to the floor as he watched Wilder storm out, He heard him barking orders to the men as they started on their search. Dany tried to push himself up and looked over at Becker who lay on the ground, unmoving. There were only ten maybe fifteen feet between them. It wasn't a big room at all, but it might as well have been a mile for as much effort as it took Danny to half crawl half drag himself over to Becker.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"I wouldn't get too comfortable boys," Christine sneered as she watched Danny try to crawl over to Becker, "if my men don't find any sign of the artefact, Connor and Cutter, we'll keep doing the same thing until I get the answers that I want,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker started to stir and made it a point to avoid looking at Christine. "I'm.... I'm fine Danny" he managed to get out between the sobs as he found himself unable to move much just then. He looked at Danny as he finally got close enough. "Becker... I'm sorry" Danny said glancing at Christine then back to Becker, trying to keep the act going that he had finally broken and gave Christine what she was looking for. "It's alright Danny..." Becker moaned, a bit more out of actual pain than an act just then.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine shook her head, "absolutely pathetic and to think you're in charge of security," she looked at Becker, "and in charge of the team," she looked at disdain at Danny, "when we're back at the ARC, I'm going to make sure that you both removed from your positions,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Don't trouble yourself" Danny said with a weak laugh, still trying to keep that snark going as long as he could, if only to frustrate Christine even more. "If you somehow manage to get control of the ARC, then I quit!"
Christine(thearcfamily)	Danny let out a howl of pain as he was caught off guard. As Christine snorted at that, "it won't be that simple Mr. Quinn, after all ... I know all about your little security break in to the ARC, I think I'm going to keep a very close on the both of you once we're back," she grinned.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker shivered and closed his eyes. He was trying not to think too much about what was going to happen later. He just wanted to give the others as much time as they could before Christine closed in on them. Danny kept his eyes on Becker, trying to make sure he was alright. He didn't want to give Christine any more satisfaction than what she was already getting from all this, so he tried to keep his focus directed elsewhere.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smirked at the silence, "what's the matter boys, cat got your tongue? You know that I'm going to get that artefact, Cutter and Connor, you don't have to keep suffering like this, I'm sure you would be much more comfortable at the ARC,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Sod off, Christine" Becker said his voice surprisingly calm and controlled, despite the pain he was in. Becker leaned against Danny as he shifted closer and helped get him into an upright position. He knew he and Danny were not going to last much longer like this. Hopefully, the others would be able to hold up for a little while longer.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine clucked her tongue disapprovingly, "clearly I'll need Captain Wilder to teach you better manners," she shook her head as she looked out towards the window, wondering if there was any news yet. "In the meantime," she stood up from her chair and walked over to Becker and she slapped him hard on the cheek.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker bit back the cry of pain at the slap but a whimper still managed to escape as he kept his head turned away from Christine at the force of the slap. "Don't tell them Beck!" Danny said urgently. "Say strong...don't tell them..."
Christine(thearcfamily)	"I can keep at this all night," Christine smiled as she slapped his other cheek for good measure, "how long do you think you can last against this, its foolish trying to resist ... tell me what I want to know and the pain goes away," she said again.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker cried out at that one and gasped for breath as he looked slowly back up at Christine, a defeated look in his eyes. "They... didn't go South... they went... West" he said softly, hanging his head as if in shame. Becker knew this was probably the last time they could delay Christine from just sending her men in all directions, but he had to try and stall for as long as he could. Christine was right. He and Danny weren't going to last much longer.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine gave Becker a mocking pat on the head, "there we go that wasn't so hard was it, of course now I'm going to have to go and call Captain Wilder and let him know he's off on a wild goose chase," she shook her head, "I'll deal with this later," and then she left the room to try and reach Wilder on his satellite phone.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny watched as Christine left the room, cursing at the phone as she tried to get it to work. He leaned in closer to Becker, keeping his voice low so Christine couldn't hear. "You hanging in there Becks?" he asked as he tried to help him into a sitting position on the floor. His head was throbbing worse than any hangover he had ever had just then. Becker just nodded, still trembling as he took in a shaky breath. "I... I don't think we're going to be able to keep this up... Danny..." he said still trying to get himself up off the floor.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Its going to be okay Becker," Danny wished he sounded more confident than he did, he tried to keep a look out for Christine to make sure she wasn't coming back, "we just need to give the others a bit more time, hopefully they've found a good spot now and it will take Wilder and his men ages to search for them,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker just nodded, leaning against Danny for a minute. He tensed when he heard Christine's voice again, signalling her return from the phone call. Becker tried to move into a more dignified position but he couldn't and he really didn't care at that point.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine returned from the phone call, feeling rather annoyed that so much time had been wasted and she came back and eyed Becker and Danny, "well boys, they've altered the search and heading off in the new direction, they're not going to stop until they find them ... they're not going to let a little thing like nighttime stop them," she smiled at that.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Of course, they had the gear for nighttime searches.... Becker knew as much. It was Wilder after all. "I hope Wilder trips over ever root along the way and breaks his leg" Becker muttered.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine glared at Becker at that and promptly slapped both of his cheeks, "if anyone is doing any breaking around here Hillary..." she drawled out his first name, knowing how much he would hate that, "its you,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker half growled half whimpered at that and glared up at Christine without a word. He knew what thin ice they were on... especially if Christine caught up to the others or found the artifact. He and Danny would be of no real use to her then and that was a terrifying thought of how she would deal with them when they were fully disposable to her.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"That's better," Christine said simply as she went back to sit in her chair, "I'm going to get what I want, the two of you may have tried to delay me but I will have the artefact, Cutter and Connor, its only a matter of time,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"And we will be right here... till the end" Danny said from where he sat beside Becker. "We will fight you... and Captain Wilder... until it is over. So you better get used to us being around here too."
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled coldly, "oh I'm counting on it Mr. Quinn, it will make my victory all the more impressive when I get to stand over you with me holding the artefact and Cutter and Connor in chains,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Keep dreaming Christine," Danny said simply yet firmly. He gave a small shiver when he heard the phone crackle with an incoming message, likely from Wilder.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine picked up the phone and moved to take the call in the other room, the call was short but when she came back she was visibly annoyed. "Nice try boys, you know there's only so many different directions you can try and fool us with," she snapped, "as of now I've told Captain Wilder to search the remaining areas, it won't be long at all until we find what I'm after,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It had taken some time but before night fell they had the cave fairly well set up and rigged the best they could. The security lines were run and they were set up at the back of the cave. All there was to do now was wait. "You doing ok, Nick?" Connor asked as he looked over at Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "I guess so, I've never been good at waiting and knowing that they will find us ..." he sighed, "I know its wishful thinking to think that they won't," he looked down at his hands for a moment before looking back at Connor, "how are you holding up?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We're going to be alright. We're doing this to buy Lester time. Until Christine gets the ARC there's still a chance Lester can figure something out." Connor slipped an arm around Cutter and held him close. He knew how hard this all was on all of them. "We still have hope... there's still a chance to beat Christine."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled as he leaned against Connor, taking comfort from the fact that they were so close, "I just wish there was more that we could do," he said quietly. "I don't like feeling so helpless,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know... I hate the feeling of waiting for the inevitable with this. But we'll get through this. I know Lester will figure something out" Connor said, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt. A few moments later he turned and looked at Sarah and Jenny. "How are you two holding up?"
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah hesitated, "I ... I'm worried about Becker and Danny," she admitted, "I, I know they're strong but they're still recovering from their injuries, I just wish there was more that we could have done,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know... I hated having to let them stay back at the safehouse" Connor said softly. "They'll be alright. And Im sure Lester is calling in ever favor he has and using every trick he has up his sleeves to pull one over on Christine."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"James will absolutely be using every pull he has at White Hall to solve this," Jenny told them confidently, "he knows what he's doing and it might take a while going through the back channels but he will get there, we'll be back at the ARC in no time,"
Connor(thearcfamily)	Connor nodded and gave Cutter's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Lester will figure this all out and we can throw it in Christine's face in the end. I don't know about you all, but I'm hanging in there partly to see the look on her face when she finally loses" Connor said with a slightly strained laugh as he tried to lighten the mood a little.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Becker half growled half whimpered at that and glared up at Cutter appreciated the gentle squeeze and he gave a small smile at that, "that will be nice, seeing her finally escorted off the premise's once and for all, she won't be able to ever set foot in the ARC again," He wasn't sure if that was something that James was capable of doing, if he had that much pool but it was nice to dream.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It was a dream enough to keep them all going and that was what mattered right now. "How much you wanna bet Wilder and his men are stumbling around in the dark heading the opposite direction right now?" he said with a small laugh. He knew it would be a temporary delay but it did make him grin a little imagining that.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter managed a small smile at that, "knowing Becker and Danny, they've probably told Christine that we went in the opposite direction of where we went, hopefully we've got a bit more time that way,"
Connor(thearcfamily)	'Just wish we had some way to defined ourselves" Connor said with a sigh. "Well knowing Christine, she's got Wilder and his men decked out in full gear" Jenny said simply. "I doubt anything we'd have had access to even at the ARC would be much match. "Becker was the only one ever able to stand toe to toe with them anyways in terms of fire power" Connor said giving a quick glance over at Sarah, knowing how much she was worried about Becker.
Cutter(thearcfamily)	Cutter nodded thoughtfully, "the only thing we could really do is arm ourselves with rocks but that's not really going to make much difference against the heavy artillery Wilder and his men will be packing," he said softly. "I just hope they're okay, I know Wilder will be our looking for us but I still wouldn't want to be left alone with Christine," Sarah said as she shivered at the idea.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded slowly. "We'll just have to see how things go. Not much else we can do" he said as he sat down on the floor and tried to get as comfortable as he could. Leaning back against the wall of the cave he reached up to get Cutter to join him as he gave a small shiver against the chilly air that the night was bringing.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he took Connor's hand and joined him sitting against the wall of the cave, he snuggled in close to Connor. He was just grateful that they were still together, even if it was only delaying the inevitable, they still had a last chance at freedom. "I love you Connor," he said softly as he leaned his head on Connor's shoulder.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Love you too Nick" he said softly as he held Cutter close and closed his eyes. No matter what happened he just wanted to enjoy this moment that they could have together. How much time had passed he didn't know cuz he had actually managed to drift off to sleep at some point> But it wasn't meant to last as the sound of what he thought was their trip wries triggering made him snap awake. "wh-what was that?" he asked looking around, trying to listen to see if he could hear it again.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter stayed as close to Connor as he could, he had heard the noise as well and he was absolutely terrified that it was Wilder, "do you think it was the wind or maybe even an animal?" he asked hopefully, they couldn't have been found that quickly could they?
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor froze and tried to listen to see if there was more noise. "Maybe just an animal..." he glanced at Jenny and Sarah. It didn't sound too loud and he didn't hear anything else so maybe it was just a false alarm. Would be nice if they could make it through the night at least. Maybe Wilder would pass them by even if they were heading this way? Maybe the cave was hidden enough that Wilder wouldn't find them and they could keep them running around for a day or two.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter wished he didn't feel so weak and helpless then, for a moment he barely dared to breathe as he waited to see what would happen. "I'll go and have a look," Jenny decided and then he felt even worse that it was Jenny volunteering when he should have. She left and came back a short time later, "I think it might have been an animal," she reported softly, "I didn't see any sign of Wilder and his men,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor breathed a sigh of relief as he sat back and closed his eyes and tried to calm down his pounding heart. "I think we should be good for the night" he said when he trusted himself to speak again. "Maybe we can sleep in shifts, have someone keep watch for any signs of Wilder and his men?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“That sounds like a good idea,” Cutter said softly, “I’ll take first watch,” he volunteered, he knew that there would be no way he could actually sleep then.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	""Alright sounds good. Thank you Cutter" Sarah said as she started to look through one of the packs and pulled out the two blankets they had brought along. "If you two don't mind sharing, Jenny and I can share this one" she said handing one of the small blankets over to Connor. "Thanks Sarah, and this will be fine. Nick and I don't mind sharing" he said with a soft smile as he shook the blanket out and worked on getting it spread out over him and Cutter the best he could as he tried to get comfortable next to Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Thank you Sarah," Cutter said as he got comfortable under the blanket, he was still sitting up so that he could keep watch for the group but he was feeling a bit more calm down than he had been earlier now that it seemed like they still had a bit of reprieve from Wilder and his men. "Are you okay Connor? Do you want another can to drink or something to eat?" he asked softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm good Nick" Connor said softly as he leaned against his shoulder slightly. "You need anything before i settle down? Need a drink or a bite before you take your watch?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I'll be alright thank you though," Cutter said softly as he leaned against Connor, "I don't know how much sleep I'm going to get tonight though, I think I'm too on edge knowing Wilder is out there looking for us," he shivered slightly despite the blanket that was covering him.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor moved a little closer and wrapped an arm around Cutter and pulled him close. "I know. I'm not sure if I will be getting much sleep either. But I'm here with you Nick. If... if I do fall asleep, get me when you need me ok? Im right here" Connor said as he reached out and wrapped his fingers with Cutter's.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I will Connor," Cutter said softly as he leaned in close to Connor and held his hand, "at least we're still together, this would be worse if we had to hide out separately,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I wouldn't have survived this on my own" Connor said simply. "Definitely glad we have each other now" he said as he closed his eyes and tried to relax as best as he could.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I wouldn't have survived this either," Cutter said softly as he gave Connor's hand a gentle squeeze, "I'm glad we're able to be together," he stared in the direction of the cave, keeping a close watch on the entrance and making sure to listen for any sounds from their traps that would alert them to unwanted visitors.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor leaned over and gave Cutter a quick kiss on the cheek and then landed over and closed his eyes and tried to rest. He was fairly sure he wasn't going to be sleeping much. But he knew he needed to rest as much as he could.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a smile at that kiss and settled back against the cave wall so that he could take his turn at watch, he was still a bit on edge and he was expecting any minute that Wilder and his men would storm the cave but he was doing his best to stay as alert and watchful as he could, even though he wasn't sure there was much he could really do if Wilder and his men found them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor had actually managed to drift off for a bit. He had watched Jenny and Sarah settle in and once he knew they were safe he watched the front of the cave for a little while with Cuter before his eyes finally closed and he nodded off. The sleep was light and filled with dreams and his mind still tried to listen for any sounds of Wilder and his men, even as he slept.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Every now and then Cutter's watchful gaze swept the cave as he sat in his spot, making sure that Jenny, Sarah and Connor were alright or as alright as they could be in the circumstances. So far nothing seemed to be happening, which made Cutter even more edge, he wished he had some kind of weapon with him but he hadn't carried a weapon since that day he and Connor had been captured by Helen and Stephen. He fidgeted a little as he continued watching.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	At some point in the night connor had drifted off to sleep enough to start to dream. it wasn't the nicest of dreams and he woke suddenly with a small gasp as eh tried to sit up, trying to remember where he was in the dimness of the cave. Connor glanced around panicked until he saw Cutter was still there and they were still in the cave. "Nick.... you're here" he said softly as he tried to catch his breath and still his pounding heart.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was instantly alert and he moved closer to Connor, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder, "I'm here Connor, are you alright?" he asked softly, "do you need me to get you anything?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked at Cutter and took a shaky breath. Once he convinced himself that they were ok he tried to relax and leaned against Cutter slightly. "I.. I'm ok." he said softly. "Just thought Wilder had found us." Connor looked across the small cave, lit by the dim lantern set in the middle of the space and relaxed a little more when he saw Sarah and Jenny still asleep.
Cutter(thearcfamily)	Cutter wrapped his arm around Connor reassuringly as he leaned against him, “it’s been pretty quiet overall, just a bit of wind outside but nothing yet to indicate Wilder has found us,” he tried to reassure Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thats good. I can take my shift now if you want to try and rest some...." Connor said as he looked up at Cutter with a weak smile. "I don't think I will be getting to sleep any time soon again."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"If you feel up to it, I don't mind if you want to do your shift, I'm not sure if I'm actually going to be able to get much sleep at all if I'm honest," Cutter admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well, we can keep watch together then if you want" Connor offered. "You can rest if you are able to and I will keep watch. But we at least will be together for the next few hours till Jenny or Sarah take their shift."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "I might do that, stay up and watch for a bit with you," he said softly, "maybe by the time Jenny or Sarah wakes up, I might be able to fall asleep for a bit," he considered.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Sounds like a plan" Connor said as he stood and stretched for a moment. "Im gonna go steal one of the water bottles from the stash. Stretch my legs a bit too before I settle down for my watch. You want one?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Actually some water would be great thank you," Cutter smiled as he also stood up for a bit and stretched slightly, "its definitely been a while since I've done any kind of cave exploring, I forgot how uncomfortable it can be,"
Connor(itsananomaly)	Connor nodded as he went to the back packs at the back of the cave and found two bottles. "I know, it's been a while for me too. Actually I think the last time was in a cave for any length of time was before I went to Uni. So it's been a while for me too." He handed the water bottle to Cutter and took a drink from his."it is a good think we found this place though."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a grateful smile as Connor handed him the bottle of water, "thank you," he said and he took a small sip, "its definitely come in handy, hopefully we're too far off the track for Wilder and his men to track us, at least for another couple of days, I wish we had more time to come up with a contingency plan but that we don't have the supplies for that and we don't have another back up location ... maybe James' cabin but there's no way we would be able to get there,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yeah the best we can do is hold out and see what happens. Lester's cabin would be a good spot. But I don't think we are going to be able to make it there either, at least not right now." Connor took another drink as he stretched again and then made his way a little closer to the entrance of the cave and listened for a moment. "All quiet, we are still good" he said as he walked over and sat back down slowly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he sat back down to join Connor, "that's good at least," he said softly, "I hope Danny and Becker are okay," he hated to think of what state they would be in by now, "Christine's probably on the warpath right now," he remarked.
Becker(thearcfamily)	.... warpath was one way to describe the mood Christine was in. Two full days, the dawning of the third day starting and still no progress. She was fit to be tied and Becker, while glad Wilder had yet to be successful in his search, Becker was beginning to wonder how much longer he and Danny would be able to hold out.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine was tired of waiting, she had thought once they had found the safehouse that she would be able to bring the artefact, Cutter and Connor back to the ARC and have her crowning glory and now that it was the third day and still no sign of what she was after, she was not in a good mood. "Well boys, is today going to be the day you tell me what I want to know?" she glowered at Becker and Danny as she stood in front of them, wondering how long it would be before they would break.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker gave a small whimper as he leaned against the wall. It had been three days, and he was feeling his strength slip away. No food, no water, and Christine... even all his training was being pushed to the limit. He looked over at Danny, trying to avoid Christine's gaze.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny was feeling just as poorly, he didn't have anywhere near the type of training that Becker had and he found himself struggling with the lack of food and water, he looked over Becker tiredly but there was still determination in his gaze. "Nothing boys? How disappointing," Christine purred as she watched the exchange, "I'm going to look forward to seeing who breaks first,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"We already told you" Becker said as he swallowed hard. "We don't know where they ended up going. They never said where they were going to be heading for." Becker looked over at Danny in concern. There wasn't going to be much longer that they could stall. Either they would physically give out or Wilder would succeed in the hunt.
Christine(anomaly_research_nerd)	Christine shook her head, "now I don't believe you, you would have made sure they were off safely, you saw what direction they were going in ... I can't imagine you would have let them leave without saying goodbye," she smirked, "so ... shall we try this again? Where were they going?"
Danny(itsananomaly)	Danny looked at Becker apologetically. He just hurt too much, he was too tried, too weak. They had held out for as long as they could, and chances were Wilder was already heading towards them by this point anyways. He trembled hard and took a choking breath as he turned and looked at Christine. "We said goodbye... say them heading East. Beyond that... we... we don't know where they were going."
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled coldly at that, she knew she had them at that, "now this is very interesting," she smiled, "that wasn't so hard was it Mr. Quinn? Soon Captain Wilder will find the artefact, Cutter and Connor and this foolish endeavour will be at a close and I will have won," she gloated.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny lowered his head, unable to meet Christine's gaze and not able to look Becker in the eyes just then. He knew in reality they had lasted longer than they had expected. But he still hated himself for breaking and for finally reaching the end of his fight. He felt Becker's hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him, but he still couldn't bring himself to look at him.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"What nothing to say boys?" Christine smiled, feeling very content with herself, "you know, I think this calls for a reward, you've given me the information you'd like to know, you can have some water," she said as she got out two bottles of water and handed them both to Becker and Danny.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker hated feeling so weak, so powerless against Christine. She had all the power and held all the cards. There wasn't really anything more they could do. And Becker hated that. He looked up at Christine and the water bottles, half expecting it to be a joke or a cruel prank. Slowly he reached out towards one of the bottles, curing himself for not fighting and holding back. But he was so thirsty. It had been two days since they'd been given more than a mouthful of water. All he wanted was something to drink....
Christine(thearcfamily)	"It's alright you can take them," Christine encouraged, thrilled with the amount of power that she had in her hands, "after all I don't want you boys collapsing the moment we have Cutter and Connor in our custody after all, I want them to know exactly who betrayed them," she gloated.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker took one bottle and handed it to Danny then took the other. He tried to resist but couldn't and he cracked it opened and started drinking greedily from it. He had to force himself to not drink it all in one go so he wouldn't just bring it all back up again.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled triumphantly, "there we go boys, you need to rest up and get your strength back, any moment now Captain Wilder will call me and tell me has found the artefact, Cutter and Connor and then we can leave this sorry place behind,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny shivered as he and Becker huddled on the floor. He had nearly finished the water bottle in one go and he looked over at Becker. "You'll never win Christine.... " he said weakly as he looked up at her.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled, "oh but I already have Mr. Quinn," she gloated, "the ARC is all but mine, even James has run off with the tail between his legs and it will only be a matter of time before I have the artefact again and Cutter and Connor are in my custody and there will be nothing you can do about It,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny shivered slightly despite himself, trying to hold on to the hope that Lester would be able to figure something out...if they could just give him a little more time... Danny felt his heart drop though when he heard voices from outside. Anyone coming back would have been Wilder and Danny was scared to see if he had he team with him.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled as she heard those voices, "now it looks like we have some progress," she declared and a few minutes later one of the soldiers came through the door, "ma'am," he said breathlessly, "we found them, Captain Wilder is coming back with them now,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny felt his heart sink as he put his arm around Becker's shoulder as he heard the an let out a small sob. "We did the best we could Beck" he said softly trying to encourage him while trying to keep the concern and fear off his face as he looked up at Christine then to the door where the soldier stood.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled triumphantly, "excellent work," she praised the soldier, "where were they?" "They were in a cave ma'am, it turns out they went east all along, they tried to resist but they soon realised it was hopeless, Captain Wilder sent me on ahead to let you know," "Well boys," Christine smirked, "looks like we'll be heading back to the ARC before long, we'll be able to get you somewhere more ... comfortable,"
Becker(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You still havent won..." Becker said through clenched teeth as he tried to shift. The solider had not mentioned the artifact and he was waiting for that realization to hit Christine. "You will never win Christine."
Christine(itsananomaly)	Christine glared at Becker, the same realisation dawning on her that the soldier had not mentioned anything about the artefact, "we will see about that," she growled and slapped Becker across the cheek, "was there anything else to report soldier?" she said looking back at him, waiting to see if he would mention they had the artefact. "No ma'am," he said apologetically, "my orders were to tell you that Captain Wilder had Cutter, Connor and the others with them,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Huh...imagine that... They managed to hide the artifact where even you can't get to it Christine" Danny said with a smirk, despite the extreme pain he was in. At least part of their plan had seemed to work out.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine glared at Danny then and then reached over and slapped him on the cheek as well, "you won't be so confident by the time we get you back to the ARC, Cutter and Connor are already mine, its only a matter of time before we find that artefact," she growled.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny was going to say something but the quip died on his tongue as he heard voices again, more of them, and his heart sank somewhat. It sounded like Wilder was back, and Danny looked over at Becker as he tried to get to his feet. He knew he was in rough shape and the days alone with Christine had taken an obvious toll, but he still didn't want to look any weaker than he already did. "Easy there Beck" he said gently as he helped Becker to his feet. He knew it was better for him to stay off the leg but he also knew for Becker it was personal to not show any more weakness than he had too in front of Wilder.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled as she heard the voices, "finally we'll get some results," she said and a moment later Captain Wilder came into the room, with Cutter and the others trailing behind him. Cutter looked over at Danny and Becker, noticing how bad they seemed to be and he trembled, "I'm sorry," he said quietly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Nothing... to be sorry about" Becker said softly as he leaned against Danny and looked at Cutter and the others as they came in. "You guys alight?" he asked, his eyes darting over to Wilder as he fought back a shiver of fear seeing the man again.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah looked worriedly over at Becker, biting her lip as she took in how badly he and Danny looked, "we're okay," she assured him, "are you alright?" she asked softly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"We're alright..." Becker said not so convincingly. "Both feeling glad to see you and... ya know... wishing we weren't" he said looking from Sarah and then glaring at Wilder.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah wasn't so convinced about that but she knew that Becker wouldn't want to draw attention to his weakness, she wished she could go over to him but a look from Wilder made it clear that she was to stay exactly where she was. "Now that everyone is reunited, I want you to tell me where the artefact is," Christine glared over at Cutter and Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked at Cutter and reached out and grabbed his hand. "You're not going to find it" Connor said softly trying to sound as confident as he could though he was absolutely terrified about what Christine and Wilder were going to do.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine glared at Connor, "wrong answer," he said and then nodded at Wilder, who reached over and grabbed Cutter roughly. Cutter yelped at the roughness, "don't tell them anything Connor," he said as Wilder held tightly onto his shoulders.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor glared at Wilder, trying to keep the fear off his face as he looked at Cutter. "Please..." he said hating how weak he felt having to choose between keeping the artifact safe and away from Christine and whether or not to help Cutter.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Cutter winced as Wilder grabbed his hair and pulled his head back, "don't worry about me Connor, don't tell them where it is!" he said and then he let out a yelp as Wilder punched him in the stomach. "So what will it be Connor?" Christine smiled, "will you tell me where the artefact is or will Wilder have to to beat it out of your boyfriend?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Nick!" Connor cried out as he watched Wilder's fist make contact. "Stop it! Don't hurt him please!" he cried out sounding more desperate than he wanted. After everything they had done.... he knew he couldn't tell Christine where the artifact was.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"Don't tell her anything Connor!" Cutter yelled as Wilder punched him in the stomach again, he tried to double over but because Wilder was holding him tightly he had no where to go with the pain, Wilder took the opportunity to start punching him again. "This all stops when you tell me what I want to know," Christine smiled sweetly over at Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sank to his knees as a sob escaped him. He looked up at Nick and then dropped his head, unable to watch as he started to cry. "Nick... I'm sorry...." he gasped as his fingers dug at the rug on the floor and he fought the urge to just tell Christine what she wanted.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"Connor no!" Cutter groaned as he felt the full force of those blows impact his stomach, "don't ... don't worry about me, I ... I can take this!" "Are you sure about that?" Christine smirked, noticing that he was clearly in pain, "how long do you think you're going to last against the Captain here?" she nodded at Wilder and he punched Cutter in the back, this time Cutter did scream in agony at the blow.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor just knelt on the floor sobbing until Becker finally pulled away from where Danny was trying to help him stand. He took a step towards Wilder, obviously limping but still standing as upright as he could. "Stop it, leave Nick alone Joseph" he said simply yet firmly.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Cutter trembled, wincing as Wilder still had him by the hair, "and what are you going to do about it boy?" Wilder sneered as he looked Becker up and down, "will you take the beating for the traitor?" "Don't do it Becker," Cutter looked over at him, tears falling down his cheeks, "please, I'm ... I'm not worth it," he said softly. "Now this is very touching," Christine smiled as she watched the scene unfold, "so who's going to break and tell me where the artefact is first?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Yes. I will" Becker said simply, looking at Christine, making her think he was saying he would tell them what he knew about the artifact. But then he turned and looked at Wilder. "I will take his place" he said trying to keep the quiver out of his voice. He glanced over at Sarah and met her gaze and gave an apologetic look as he turned back to Wilder.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah's eyes were widened as Wilder threw Cutter to the ground where he landed with a loud thud. He trembled and looked back up at Becker, "no ..." he cried softly. "So be it boy," Wilder sneered and then began to launch a series of punches directly in Becker's stomach and then he aimed a blow at Becker's jaw.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker tried to brace himself for the blows he knew were coming. He knew WIlder's methods and how he usually sent his blows and he tried to anticipate where he would hit. But it was too much and as Wilder's fist connected to his jaw Becker cried out in pain and sank down to the ground. As Wilder paused briefly, Becker looked up, wiping his hand over his mouth and struggled to get back to his feet.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"Becker no!" Sarah cried as she watched Becker struggle, "stop, please ... stop hurting him!" she cried and then Wilder punched Becker in the jaw again. "I'll tell you where the artefact is!" she sobbed, not able to meet anyone's gaze at that moment as she felt ashamed for how weak she was.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker tried to look up from where he was laying on the floor, half expecting Wilder to start stomping him like usual. Through the throbbing in his ears and the waves of pain Becker could hear Sarah. Or at least, he thought it was Sarah. It was hard to make sense of anything just then. It sounded like she was crying. He couldn't make out anything else and he just couldn't move just then.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"Please!" Sarah cried and then she had no idea what possessed her do this, she ran over to Becker and shielded him from Wilder, knowing full well that that put her in the direct line of fire, "please stop this, I'll take you to where the artefact is, just leave him alone!"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny watched Sarah run over and kneel beside Becker. He couldnt blame her. She didn't have any of the training he and Becker did and she had less experience dealing with Christine and Wilder than Connor and Cutter did, and even Jenny had more experience with this sort of situation than Sarah. Danny watched as Becker clung to Sarah, half trying to hold onto her and half trying to keep her from the line of fire if Wilder attacked.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Wilder looked furious as Sarah blocked him from continuing his attack, "this better not be a trick girl," he growled as he advanced towards her. Sarah trembled but she didn't move from where she was keeping Becker shielded, holding onto him as best she could. "Please, I'll take you to the artefact, just stop hurting Becker!" she begged.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Don't you dare touch her" Danny warned as he watched Wilder carefully, not trusting him to not lash out at Sarah. The man had already proven he had no soul and no qualms about stooping low to get what he wanted. "You can have the artifact. But the rest of the team goes unharmed." Danny watched Wilder's reaction and took a step closer, ready to intervene if he decided to go after Sarah. Danny looked at Becker and knew he was in bad shape and wouldn't be able to do much against Wilder, as much as he would want to, as it seemed he had nearly passed out in Sarah's arms by that point.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"You'll take us to the artefact," Christine said simply, "and then you'll come back to the ARC with us, there'll be no more of these foolish hiding attempts," Wilder glared at Sarah but stopped advancing towards her and Becker as Sarah cradled Becker in her arms, tears falling down her cheeks.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	As soon as Wilder had turned his attention to Sarah and Becker, Connor ran over to Cutter. He knelt down beside him and wrapped his arms around him protectively. "Nick... I'm so sorry... I... I... forgive me Nick" he said softly as he started to cry.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter whimpered in pain as he leaned against Connor, "you don't have to ...have to apologise for anything Connor," he said softly, "it...its not your fault, are you ... are you okay? They didn't hurt you?" he asked worriedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor held Cutter close, unable to stop the tears that were falling as he clung to him. "I'm ok... I'm fine Nick" he said softly. He had been roughed up a little by Wilder's men but nothing too bad. He was more worried about the state Cutter was in after Wilder's beat down. "It's you I am worried about" he said as she slowly pulled away just enough to look at Cutter to see how he was.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled as he held onto Connor, he could feel bruises on his stomach and back where Wilder had punched him and his head hurt from where Wilder had grabbed it. "I think I'm going to be bruised for a while," he winced a little, "but I don't think anything's broken," At least yet, he was still terrified of what awaited them back at the ARC.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny had been watching everything that was playing out and he caught Jenny's gaze, trying to silently read how she was holding up. A choked groan of pain from Becker drew his attention back as he saw Christine and Wilder start to move towards Sarah and Becker. He tightened his fists at his side, though he knew he was in no shape to stand up to Christine or Wilder.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Jenny looked back tiredly at Danny but there was still a fierce determination in her gaze as she tried to let him know that she was doing okay considering the circumstances. That was when Wilder reached over and grabbed Sarah roughly by the hair and yanked her to her feet, forcing her to let go of Becker. Sarah cried out in pain as Wilder moved her away. "You'll take us to the artefact now," he snapped.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I said leave her alone!" Danny said as he glared at Wilder, feeling pretty helpless despite the outward bravado he still managed. "Sarah... no!" Becker cried out weakly as he tried to get up but he barely get himself into a siting position let alone stand just then and he looked up helplessly at Sarah and Wilder.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah blinked back tears as Wilder kept a grip on her hair, "I'm sorry Becker," she sobbed, "I'm so sorry," Christine smirked as she watched the scene unfold, "I think its time for us to go for a nice little stroll," she remarked, "let's see, you ...." she nodded at Connor, "and Jenny wasn't it?" she smirked at Jenny, "you will come with us to the artefact, I'm not taking any chances, the Professor will stay behind with Becker and Quinn,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny watched helplessly as Christine started to escort Sarah, Jenny, and Connor out. He reached out and pulled Cutter over towards him and Becker, before Wilder got any ideas about trying to get his hands on him again. "Sarah..." Becker cried as he watched them go, not caring at all just how weak he was and how pitiful he must look to Wilder. All he cared about just then was Sarah.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter barely even felt Danny pull him over and could only watch miserably as Connor, Jenny and Sarah left with Christine. "Sarah will be okay," he tried to comfort Becker, "Connor and Jenny won't let anything happen to her,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor started to try and pull away but a stern look from Wilder put an end to that and he followed Christine out the door. He looked back at Cutter and the others as they were unceremoniously ushered out. "I'll be fine Nick... don't worry, I... I...we'll be back soon." Connor tried to blink back the tears he felt in his eyes as he saw the look on Cutter's face and heard the soft whimper coming from Becker as the door closed behind them.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Please be careful," Cutter whispered and he trembled as the door closed behind them and he couldn't stop tears of his own from falling down his cheeks, he really hoped Connor, Sarah and Jenny were going to be okay. He couldn't believe that after everything it had come down to this.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"We knew it wouldnt last... " Danny said softly as he put a hand on Cutter's shoulder as he joined them. He was still holding onto Becker as he lay on the floor. "Hopefully Lester has figured something out. That was our main goal in all this.. there's still a chance we can pull this off." He hoped he sounded more encouraging and confident than he felt just then.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter let out a tired sob, "I hope so," he said softly, "once she gets the artefact, I don't see how we can though ..." he slumped down in defeat, not having the energy to sit upright.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"We'll figure it out. Lester will have a plan and will be waiting when we get to the ARC." Danny looked from Becker to Cutter. Things were bad... he really hoped that Lester had everything in place. It would take a miracle otherwise for them to get through this.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took a deep breath, trying to focus on breathing , "James won't let anything happen to us, I know he'll work on calling every favour that he has to get us out of this ... I ... I just don't know how much longer I can hold out," he admitted softly.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Just rest Cutter... You did good. Just rest. You and Becker rest" Danny said as he tried to help Cutter sit. "I'll deal with Christine and Wilder" Danny said with a whispered 'somehow' as he looked towards the door, half expecting them to get back at any moment.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter shifted slightly as he tried to get comfortable but he wasn't sure he was going to be able to rest not while Connor and the others were out there, "they might be a while, Connor made sure to hide the artefact and our research well away from here, it might take them a couple of hours to reach it," he admitted.
Danny(itsananomaly)	Danny looked over at Wilder warily as he held Becker close and tried to figure out what to do. "Then we wait and keep the faith" he said, still eyeing Wilder. He knew that of the three of them he was in the best apt at standing up to Wilder, but he was not looking forward to it at all.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I wouldn't get too comfortable," Wilder growled from where he had been keeping an eye on the door in case Christine had come back, "if this turns out to be some elaborate trick, you're going to pay for this dearly, starting with him," he nodded in Cutter's direction. Cutter trembled but he stared up at Wilder, trying to not show any more weakness than he already had.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It had taken over an hour to lead Christine and the others to the spot where they had hidden the artifact. Connor knew better than to try and lead them astray but he still took a less than direct route. But they eventually got there and Connor stopped near one of the largest trees in the area. He looked at Christine and then nodded towards the tree silently.
Christine(thearcfamily)	"This had better be the spot," Christine warned as she waled over to the tree and began to have a look around for the artefact, "I have had enough of these foolish games,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's there, in the roots. We hid it under the brush" Connor said looking at Sarah and Jenny then to the soldier who were standing around them. "It's there" he said simply as he watched Christine walk over.
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine went to the spot that Connor indicated and bent down, searching over the ground and then smiled triumphantly as she pulled the artefact from the ground. "There we go, let's go back to Captain Wilder and we can head to the ARC, I've had enough of these games, it was a valiant effort but I was always going to win this," she gloated.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor shivered as Christine gloated, the sight of her with the artefact again filling him with dread. He didn't say anything as Christine started back towards the safehouse, the soldiers forcing him to follow with less than gently smack to his back with the butt of one of the rifles. "You two doing ok?" he asked softly as he fell in step just behind Jenny and Sarah.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah trembled, "I'm okay," she said softly as Jenny added that she was fine as well, "I'm so sorry that I was so weak," she let out a tired sob, "I ... I just wanted him to stop hurting Becker,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor reached out and put an arm around Sarah and gave her a small hug as they followed after Christine. "It's not your fault Sarah. Any of us were about to break at any minute. Don't beat yourself up over it" he said softly.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah leaned into that small hug, sobbing quietly as she did, "I just can't help but feel its my fault, you're all so much stronger than me," she said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And that's not necessarily a good thing Sarah" Connor said softly. "There's a reason we seem 'stronger' and its not for good reasons." Connor fell silent as they kept on waking but he kept his arm around Sarah as they went.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah trembled as she kept sobbing, leaning against Connor gratefully as she did while they walked. She knew no one blamed her but she still felt terrible that she had been the one to say where the artefact was after how they had managed to hide out so long.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor followed and as they got closer and closer to the safehouse he felt the weight of what all was happening. "You've won Christine. Let the others go" he said, knowing it was a shot in the dark but he had to try and turn things around if he could. "You want me and Nick. Let the others go now that you have what you want."
Christine(thearcfamily)	"I'm afraid it doesn't quite work that way," Christine smiled as they got nearer to the safehouse, "after all, you're wanted fugitives and they aided and abetted the two of you, no Mr. Temple, they will come back to the ARC as well and face proper punishment,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You may have won now... but you won't win for long. It's not going to last!" Connor didn't know if it was pain, exhaustion, or something else that was driving him. But even as the soldier turned and stepped towards him getting in his face Connor didn't flinch away. "In the end, you will lose Christine."
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine smiled coldly at that, “I don’t think so Mr. Temple, I have everything I want, the artefact, Cutter, you, control of the ARC… I have won and there’s nothing you or anybody can do about it,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor walked silently as the soldier nodded and forced them along. They really were out of time and luck- the only thing they could still hope for was that Lester had figured things out. Connor took a shaky breath as they walked up to the safehouse and tried to push down the twist of fear in hiss stomach at what shape Cutter and the others would be in when they got there.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter waited nervously with Becker and Danny as they waited for Connor and the others to come back, all three of them were still looking worse for wear as Wilder had gotten bored waiting and decided to have another round at him and Becker. Danny had tried to intervene as best he could but they all had fresh bruises as they waited. Part of Cutter was hoping that maybe Connor and the others had managed to get away, that they would be able to be free but he could hear movement outside and he closed his eyes, he knew that Christine had the artefact and the research, she had won.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Nick? Danny... Becker?" Connor said as they walked in and he looked around worriedly at them. He saw the bruises and he glared at Wilder though he couldn't say anything just then. He started towards them, walking past Wilder, eyes fixed on Cutter as he did.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Connor, are you okay?" Cutter tried to get to his feet but swayed slightly and had to sit back down as he did, the fresh beating from Wilder was still tender and raw.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor dropped to his knees and pulled Cutter into a hug, trying to be mindful of any new bruises he couldn't see. "I'm ok Nick" Connor looked over Cutter's shoulder at Becker and Danny apologetically. "I'm so sorry Nick" he whispered softly. At the same time Sarah hurried in and headed right for Becker who looked up from where he was propped up against the back of the couch. He tried to stand up but the pain that shot through him sent him back down.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It was taking all of Cutter's effort to not start crying as Connor pulled up into the hug, he leaned against Connor's shoulder weakly, he couldn't say anything at first, just keeping his arms wrapped around Connor, "it's not your fault," he whispered, "everything that's happened, this all because of me," Meanwhile Sarah knelt down beside Becker, stroking his cheek tenderly, "oh Becker, I'm so sorry," and the tears that she had managed to keep at bay started falling again, "I'm so sorry,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Whats happened is because of Helen...and Christine...and Wilder... none of this is your fault Nick" Connor said as he held Cutter close and gently rubbed his back. "That's right mate" Danny said through clenched teeth as he tried to sit up more upright. "We all know who's to blame" he said narrowing his eyes at Christine and Wilder. A few feet away Becker was lost in the haze of pain as he clung to Sarah. He gently reached up and laid a hand over hers. "You did good... Sarah... there's nothing to... apologize for." Becker closed his eyes and he leaned against Sarah tiredly. "I love you Sarah" he whispered softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn't say anything, tears were falling down his cheeks and onto Connor's shirt as he held onto him, trying to take deep breaths as Connor rubbed his back. Sarah was openly crying now as she clung to Becker and she was pretty sure nothing short of being dragged off Becker would get her to let go, "I love you too Becker, so much," she sobbed. Christine sneered as she watched the scene unfold, "well isn't this charming," she remarked, "well I think its time we wrapped it up in here, we have a lot more interrogating to do back at the ARC," Cutter tensed considerably at that and he held onto Connor just that bit more tightly, wincing a little at the effort that was taking.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny had made it to his feet and with Jenny at his side, arm around her shoulder protectively he stood over the others. "Alright Christine" he said with a small nod. "Just let them be. We'll cooperate."
Christine(thearcfamily)	Christine shook her head, "I'm afraid that's not possible Mr. Quinn, they will need to answer to the treason charges and they'll need to be interrogated, how much they suffer is entirely up to them," she nodded in Cutter's and Connor's direction. "We'll finish this back at the ARC," she said as Wilder and the soldiers started herding everyone out to the trucks, she was feeling very pleased with herself - she had the artefact, new research and Cutter and Connor in her custody. She had finally won.