The ARC, London

[itsananomaly]

Helen was furious. None of this had gone to plan, she had Nick and Connor right where she wanted them and now they refused to give despite how badly they were hurting. She let out a scream of frustration and threw the cattle proud on the ground. [adapted in parts from series 3 episode 3 'Medical Mayhem'. Major CW for gunshot violence, injury and near character death. Preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	From the corner of the office that Helen had commandeered, Cutter's clone watched quietly. He looked to the cattle prod on the ground then to Helen, his brow furrowed slightly. Nothing felt right, not like it had before they had arrived. "They are stronger than you anticipated." It wasn't a question but more of a simple observation.
Helen(itsananomaly)	"I don't understand, Nick has too much empathy, he's too weak ... he should have been falling over himself to side with me," Helen growled and looked at Cutter's clone, "tell me, what do you think my approach should be, you share the same basic personality traits as Nick ... what do you think would get him to break?"
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You've gone after the thing he loves the most. The man he loves" the clone said simply. "I am not sure what else would hold such a place for him. He clearly loves Connor more than he's ever loved you" he added. Despite being a clone of Cutter and sharing many similarities, the clone did lack some of the finer finesse of human logic and thus didn't realize what a loaded statement that was .
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen tilted her head thoughtfully, ignoring the part about Nick loving Connor more than him, "you know I think you might be onto something," she said, "if I eliminate Connor permanently, Connor won't be hold Nick back ... Nick will join my side, I just need to break his mind long enough that this time no one will ever take Nick away from me again ..." she began to pace the office as she began to formulate her plan.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	Cuter's clone was silent for a moment as Helen's words slowly sank in. He watched her pace for a moment before speaking up again. "Are we sure this is the right path? We have the anomalies. You have the ARC. Without either they are powerless to stop us.." the clone tilted his head slightly. "Why not let them go?"
Helen(itsananomaly)	"No I need Nick, I need his mind ... he's the only one who can give me what I need ... " Helen tilted her head at the clone, "despite my best efforts I couldn't give you the same information, I need the information that's in Nick's head ... he belongs with me and not Connor and I'm going to make him see it, he's going to come crawling back to me," she declared.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	There was a small flicker of something at that. He knew he was a clone. A copy. A tool and a toy for Helen to use... he had been told as much for as long as he had existed. Yet something didn't feel right. He didn't know what emotions were so the idea of things like compassion, empathy, and morality were foreign concepts to him. Yet something didn't feel right- something was different now as he listened to his Master, his creator, talk.
Helen(itsananomaly)	"I'm going to do it," Helen declared suddenly, "I'm going to get rid of Connor, permanently this time, I'm going to make Nick watch, realise how meaningless his life is and then he'll crawl back to me, broken and willing to help me with the anomalies, we're going to change the world," she smiled coldly at that.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Why not simply send Connor away?" the clone asked slowly, a feeling building inside his chest as he thought about Connor- someone he didn't know and had only seen a few times since Helen had started the takeover of the ARC. Yet, he somehow felt... odd.... about the idea of killing him. "If not having Connor is enough to break him... just send Connor away. Why kill him?".
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen was not liking where this line of reasoning was going, "Nick will hold on to hope that Connor will come back and rescue him," she held up Connor's ring, "I want all traces of his future with Connor gone, including this ring," she handed it over to the clone, "do you understand me?"
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	The clone looked down at the ring that was in his hand then up at Helen. There was the slightest hesitation, a certain churning behind his eyes as he closed his hand around the ring. But he gave a nod and bowed his head ever so slightly. "Of course. As you wish" he said slowly.
Helen(itsananomaly)	"Good, now I want you to stay here while I carry out the final phase of my plan," Helen told him, "I will need you to run interference for me with Nick, he will be distraught at first but I know he will calm down to my way of thinking and then the two of you will work together,"
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Understood" the clone said simply still looking at his closed fist and picturing the ring inside and the person it belonged to. He lifted his gaze and met Helen's and simply nodded. This was wrong. He knew he couldn't be thinking this way. He shouldn't be doubting his master. But he didn't want to do this, even though his master was ordering him to do so.
Helen(itsananomaly)	"Excellent, now I ..." and then there were the sound of sirens blasting around the ARC, "what is happening now?" she growled as she went to the door to see what the commotion is about, she saw Christine walking past looking extra annoyed. "What is it?" "Some of the prisoners escaped," Christine snapped, "Jenny, Abby and the other Connor, we're escalating everything, so whatever your planning to do to Cutter and Connor you better do it quickly," and then she walked off, leaving Helen standing in the doorway. "Well looks like it's now or never," she remarked as she looked back at the clone, "you know what to do," she said simply.
Clone!Cutter(thearcfamily)	The clone nodded as he stood there and watched Helen hurry off down the hallway. For a while he stood there, his mind churning. Finally, he slipped the ring into his pocket and walked out of the office and into the hallway, going the opposite direction Helen had gone.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen made a quick stop to the weapons locker, gathering the weapon she had in mind for her task and then she continued on her way to Cutter and Connor's cell. It was going to end today one way or another, Nick was going to be hers.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	How long Connor had been out for he didn't know. All he was sure of was once he started to wake up, everything hurt. It took him a while to push through the pain but finally he was able to open his eyes and lifted his head weakly. "Nick..." he called out weakly. "Nick?" .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“I’m … I’m here Connor,” Cutter panted heavily, somehow he hadn’t fallen unconscious but everything hurt, “I’m … I’m so sorry Connor,” he said miserably, “I … I don’t think anyone is coming to rescue us,” if he had been able to here the alarm sirens going off just then he might have thought differently but just the he’d about given up all hope of rescue.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	That was the one bad thing about being an area that was designed to be soundproof to maintain the level of security needed for certain ARC tasks. Connor winced as he tried to straighten up, his entire body protesting the slightest movement. "I know..." he gasped, also residing himself to the fact rescue was not likely. "At least... if this.. if this is where it all ends... at least I a, here with you Nick." Connor looked at Cutter. "I love you Nick. I always will."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Tears started to fall down his cheeks at that, "and I love you Connor, so much, I'm ... if we don't get out of here, I'm sorry that I couldn't give you that future we talked about, I really wanted to be your husband,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know... i wanted that future... with you too" Connor said as he looked across the cell at the man he loved. "But I am glad for the time... we have had. And as far as I am concerned, you are... I love you Nick" he said, wanting nothing more than to be able to reach Cutter just then.
Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	Cutter wished he could be with Connor just then, to be able to hold him one more time, "and you are my husband," he said softly, tears falling down his cheeks, "I am glad for the time we had too," he sobbed, "I love you so much Connor,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I love you Nick... now and forever" Connor said as the tears started to run down his face as well. "I am glad to have you here with me" he said as his voice faltered. And just then he heard the sound of the cell door unlocking and a sob escaped him as the door opened and Helen walked in.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Cutter knew that this was likely to be the last time they ever saw each other, “I’m glad to have you with me as well,” he trembled and tried to brace himself for what was to come. Helen stepped into the cell, her weapon at her hip as she looked at the cell, “well boys, this won’t be easy, I’ve given you plenty of chances and now, you’re going to know just how serious I am about this,” and then she went to Connor and undid his chains before going over to Cutter and doing the same. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor stared in shock unable to really register what was happening as Helen undid his chains. He sank to the ground as the support from the chains was gone. From his stop on the floor he watched as Helen did the same to Cutter. "NICK!" he called out trying to get to his feet and run to Cutter, "Nick! I'm coming Nick...." He half expected Helen to step between them or for her to strike him as he tried to get to Cutter. But he did care. He just wanted to get to Cutter at least!
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“CONNOR!” Cutter cried as he stared to move toward Connor, everything was hurting and he just wanted to be with Connor. “CONNOR!”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Somehow, he didn’t know how really, Connor managed to get over to Cutter. He threw his arms around him as he practically collapsed against him and clung to him. "Nick... oh Nick" he sobbed as he tried to convince himself that he was really there holding the man he loved again. "I... I'm here Nick... I got you" he said as he held on tightly, forgetting for a moment that Helen was even there..
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was crying as he clung desperately to Connor, he knew this was likely going to be the last time they held each other like this and he wanted to make the most of you, "I've got you too Connor, I love you so much," That was when Helen took out her gun and aimed it directly at Connor, "I wouldn't get too comfortable boys," she taunted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	What color there had been left in Connor’s face at that point drained as he saw Helen raise the gun at him. He had already resigned himself to the fact he was going to die in that cell, and at least he was with Cutter. But it was still something that made his blood run cold. Instinctively he moved to try and face Helen and block Cutter as much as he could.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen kept the gun aimed directly at Connor's chest, "this is your last chance, help me or Connor dies," Cutter wrapped his arms tighter around Connor, "no, Helen please don't do this, you don't have to do this Helen," Helen smiled coldly, it had gone just as she had predicted, "then join me Nick and I spare his life," Cutter looked at Helen, horrified but he made no move to leave Connor's side.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's alright Nick" Connor said as he kept his eyes locked on Helen but reached a hand out to cling to Cutters as he held on tightly. "I love you. So much."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter held Connor's hand tightly, it couldn't be ending, not like this, "No Connor!" he protested as tears ran down his cheeks, "I love you, Helen don't do this please!" "Then join me Nick," was all Helen would say. "No," Cutter said softly, knowing what he doing, what he was doing to Connor and he squeezed his hand tightly, "I'm not leaving Connor," "So be it," Helen scoffed and then she fire several times at Connor's chest. Cutter screamed as the shots were fired.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	At first the pain flared hot like fire shooting through his body. And for an instant Connor thought maybe Helen was still bluffing as it seemed he worse of the pain was in his shoulder. But the instant that thought crossed his mind another shot rang out and he screamed as the pain exploded in his chest. Connor felt himself collapse back into Cutter as the blind pain left him gasping. Blinking through the pain, fighting to focus Connor looked up at Cutter. The last shred of rational thought he had before the pain consumed him was the fear Cutter had been hit as well. "Nick... you ok?" he asked as he started to tremble and reached a shaking hand up to Cutter's face. .
Cutter(itsananomaly)	At first everything seemed to come to a stop and then it felt like Cutter was moving in slow motion as Connor collapsed back into him and raised a hand up to his cheek, "Connor?" he trembled as he carefully cradled Connor close to him, "Connor, I'm okay, just ... just hang in there, I'll get you help, I'm so sorry," he sobbed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's ok Nick..." Connor said with a weak smile. He tried to keep his eyes open, tried to stay focused on Cutter. But the pain was getting worse and he felt his strength start to fade with each breath. "I'm with you...That's what matters..." he said as his eyes started to close. "I love you Nick Cutter... always... forever."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Nonononononono," Cutter gasped as he kept sobbing, rocking back and forth with Connor in his arms, "I love you Connor, stay with me, please, please, don't leave me ... no, Connor I love you,"
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	Just then the cell door opened again and Cutter's clone walked in. He had waited for Helen but couldn't wait any longer and then he had heard the gunshots and had come to investigate. He stared at Cutter holding onto Connor's body and then looked at Helen. "You went through with it" he said simply. .
Helen(itsananomaly)	"I did," Helen crowed and then she looked at the clone, "what are you doing here? I told you to wait," she snapped. Cutter kept trembling, still cradling Connor's body in his arms as he sat there crying.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I didnt know where you were" he said simply, still looking at Cutter. "So Connor is dead"he said a certain tone to his voice as he tilted his head slightly. "Now what?"
Helen(itsananomaly)	"Now we move to the next part of the plane," Helen smiled coldly and turned her attention to Cutter as well, "join me Nick, join me and we can stop Christine, we can take over, start fresh ... together," Cutter glared angrily at Helen, holding onto Connor's body, refusing to let go, "I am never joining you Helen, not now or ever, I will never help you," Helen scowled and aimed the gun directly at Cutter's head, "I don't want to do this Nick but you give me no choice, accept my offer or you can join your boyfriend on the floor of this cell," "I'm staying right here," Cutter trembled. "So be it," Helen snapped and fired. The last thing that Cutter felt before darkness took over was he and Connor slumping to the ground and an exploding his pain in his head and dimly he could hear Helen laughing.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	Cutter's clone stood there, looking between Helen and the two bodies now slouched against the wall. She had actually done it. The clone knew who Cutter was to Helen. She had bragged often how he was simply a lesser copy of her husband. If she was willing to shoot her own husband, what would she be willing to do to him? He stood there, doubting everything that Helen had told him and everything she had made him do more than ever. His eyes were locked on the still forms on the cell floor and not on Helen just then.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen stared at the bodies on the floor, her features expressionless, "we're done here," she said, "I'm going to grab the files and research we need, I'll meet you outside alright?" she glanced back at the clone.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	The clone was silent for a moment before he slowly turned his head to look at Helen. "No" he said simply as he turned to look back at Cutter and Connor and started to walk towards them.
Helen(itsananomaly)	"What did you say to me?" Helen narrowed her eyes as she turned her gun to the clone, "I gave you an order, you will obey me do I make myself clear?"
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	The clone stopped and looked at Helen as she raised the gun at him. Then without a word, he turned his back on her and walked over to Cutter and Connor and knelt down as if he was checking on them. .
Helen(itsananomaly)	"So be it," Helen growled, "I'll just make a newer and better version, actually you know what I think I'll leave you to the ARC, I'm sure they'll have a lot of interesting questions to ask you about this whole operation," With that Helen turned and stalked out of the room alone, not bothering to lock the door behind her, she didn't see the point now.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	The clone glanced over his shoulder at the opened door and then turned his attention back to Cutter and Connor. He ran his hand along Cutter's head and then chest before doing the same with Connor, trying to ascertain the extent of their injuries.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor's eyes snapped opened suddenly when he felt someone touch him. He looked up at the clone, for an instant thinking it was Cutter before remembering what had happened. "Nick..." he gasped the pain in his chest making it hard to breathe let alone talk. "Nick... is he..." The clone glanced to Cutter and put a finger to the side of his neck. He gave a small nod. "He's alive" he said simply. "Take Nick... get him.. to safety..." Connor groaned as he winced at the pain.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	The clone looked at Connor curiously. "You want me to leave you behind? For him?" "Yes" Connor said with as much determination as he could muster. "Save Nick. Get him to safety.. please... Don't let... Helen win" Connor said, figuring the clone was still there and not attacking them for a reason. The clone looked at Connor for a moment. "Your friends. They will know how to help" he said simply as he started to try and gather Cutter into his arms.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yes... they can save him... get him to... to safety" Connor said, struggling to take a full breath as another wave of pain washed over him, worse than any other before. He placed a soft kiss on Cutters' forehead in a silent goodbye and looked up at the clone. "And don't... don't come back for me... until he is safe. Promise me... promise me Nick... will be safe" he said, the desperation in his eyes. "I will take care of him" the clone said simply as he stood, the limp and seemingly lifeless body of Cutter in his arms. "I will come back" he said and then a moment later he was disappearing out the door, leaving Connor alone in the cell. "I love you Nick..." Connor said when they were gone as his eyes slowly slid shut again.